Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesia gained a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bahrain in their eighth match of Group C in the third round of the AFC World Cup 2026 qualifiers at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday night (25/3/2025). 

The decisive goal was scored by Ole Romeny in the first half, as recorded by the AFC, according to antaranews.com.

With this win, Indonesia remains in fourth place in Group C with nine points, trailing Australia by four points and sitting just one point behind third-placed Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Bahrain stays in fifth place with six points, level with China at the bottom of the standings.

Indonesia started the match on the offensive, pressing Bahrain’s defense but failing to create immediate danger. Thom Haye’s free kick forced a save from Bahrain’s goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Ole Romeny slotted home a precise pass from Marselino Ferdinan, giving Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, both teams pushed forward. Marselino came close to doubling Indonesia’s lead but missed the target after receiving a pass from Ragnar Oratmangoen. Bahrain also created dangerous opportunities, but Indonesia’s goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, held firm.

Bahrain continued their search for an equalizer, but Indonesia defended well and maintained their lead until the final whistle. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)