SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian national team maintained its chances of qualifying for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after a narrow 1-0 win over Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Tuesday (3/25/2025) evening WIB (Western Indonesia Time)

Jay Idzes et al. actually had to win this match after being beaten 1-5 by Australia in the previous match. The defeat caused the Indonesian national team's position to drop to fourth place in Group C with six points.

Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert also used a 3-4-3 formation against Bahrain by changing the composition of the players. Rizky Ridho, who previously did not appear as a starting line up, was immediately fielded with Justin Hubner.

The three of them appeared solid in guarding the Indonesian national team's back line from Bahrain's attacks. In the middle line, Joey Pelupessy, who operated as a defensive midfielder, allowed Thom Haye to focus on organizing the attack.

As it turned out, Haye's long pass to Marselino Ferdinan became the beginning of the Indonesian national team's goal. Marselino who received the pass made a short pass to Ole Romeny who was free in front of the Bahrain goal.

The Indonesian national team took a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute and held on until halftime.

In the second half, Bahrain controlled the match more. The Garuda Team - the nickname of the Indonesian national team - relied more on counterattacks.

A golden opportunity was created when Ricky Kambuaya sent a cross to Eliano Reijnders. Unfortunately, Eliano failed to take advantage of the ball because his kick was still wide.

Until the match ended, the score did not change for the Indonesian national team. This victory means that the Indonesian national team now has 9 points, approaching Saudi Arabia in third place.