Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Indonesia suffered its first defeat in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, falling 2-1 to China at the Youth Football Stadium in Qingdao on Tuesday night. 

China's goals came from Baihelamu Abuduwaili in the 21st minute and Zhang Yuning in the 44th minute, despite Thom Haye's late goal in the 86th minute.

The match began with high intensity, but Indonesia struggled to convert early chances. China capitalized on a defensive error to score the opener, with Abuduwaili netting after a mistake by Indonesian defenders. Zhang doubled the lead just before halftime, taking advantage of a through ball.

In the second half, Indonesia's coach Shin Tae-yong made several substitutions to revitalize the team. Although Indonesia dominated possession, they only found the net late in the game through Haye. Despite their efforts, Indonesia could not equalize, and the match ended 2-1.

This defeat leaves Indonesia in fifth place in Group C, with three points, while China remains at the bottom with the same points but a worse goal difference. Japan leads the group with 10 points.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)