SEAToday.com, Jakarta - In a heated encounter at Bahrain National Stadium, Indonesia's national team faced Bahrain in a gripping 2026 World Cup Qualifier match that ended in a contentious 2-2 draw on Thursday night.

Despite a strong performance, frustration marred the Indonesian camp as Bahrain's equalizer came deep into injury time, lasting beyond the announced six minutes to nine minutes, under the officiation of Oman's Ahmed Al Kaf.

Shin Tae-yong, Indonesia's head coach, expressed his dismay over the referee's handling of the match, calling it embarrassing.

"Both Bahrain and Indonesia gave their all until the final whistle," Shin stated in a post-match press conference reported by Bolasport. "Yet, I must highlight the referee's decision as disgraceful," he continued, emphasizing the need for improved officiating standards for AFC's development.

The match saw intense protests from Indonesian players as they contested the extended playing time, leading to manager Sumardji receiving a red card for vehement protests.

Amidst the controversy, defender Shayne Pattynama's altercation with Bahraini players and staff further underscored the tense atmosphere post-match, though it was swiftly defused by assistant coach Kim Bong-soo.

Shin Tae-yong's critique reflects a broader concern over officiating consistency, echoing sentiments from earlier qualifiers against Saudi Arabia, where strategic decisions impacted game outcomes. As Indonesia navigates the challenges of Group C, these contentious moments highlight the team's resilience and the coach's unwavering commitment to fair play and improved standards in international football officiating.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi