🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 3–2 Indonesia (FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifier)
Date & Venue: October 8, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Reuters+2Al Jazeera+2
Competition: Fourth Round, Group B, Asian Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026 The Washington Post+3Reuters+3NDTV Sports+3
Match Summary & Key Moments
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11′: Indonesia took the lead via a penalty. Kevin Diks converted from the spot after a handball was judged on Hassan Al-Tambakti inside the box. Al Jazeera+3Reuters+3ESPN.com+3
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17′ approx: Saudi Arabia responded quickly: Saleh Abu Al-Shamat struck a low, curling shot from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Maarten Paes to level the match. NDTV Sports+4ESPN.com+4Reuters+4
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36′: Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty after VAR review, when Yakob Sayuri was judged to have tugged Firas Al-Buraikan’s shirt. Al-Buraikan stepped up and scored, giving the hosts a 2–1 lead by halftime. ESPN.com+5Reuters+5The Washington Post+5
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62′: Al-Buraikan added his second goal of the match. After a rebound from Musab Al-Juwayr’s shot, Al-Buraikan followed in and slotted the ball home, making it 3–1. NDTV Sports+5Reuters+5Al Jazeera+5
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88′ (or near end): Indonesia earned another penalty after Nawaf Boushal handled the ball in the Saudi box. Kevin Diks converted again, narrowing the margin to 3–2. The Washington Post+5Reuters+5ESPN.com+5
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Injury time: A dramatic finish — Mohammed Kanno of Saudi Arabia was sent off after receiving a second yellow card (for time-wasting / dissent) just minutes after entering. Saudi played with ten men but held on. NDTV Sports+5Reuters+5Al Jazeera+5
Final Score: Saudi Arabia 3 – 2 Indonesia The Washington Post+5Reuters+5NDTV Sports+5
This was a comeback win by Saudi Arabia. They conceded first but turned it around before halftime, extended the lead in the second half, then survived a late penalty and a red card to capture all three points. NDTV Sports+3Reuters+3ESPN.com+3
📰 Top Related Articles & Sources (for further reading, verification)
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Reuters: “Saudi’s Al-Brikan hits double in comeback win over Indonesia” — detailed, timely match report. Reuters
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Reuters: “No fear for Indonesia coach Kluivert ahead of Saudi World Cup clash” — pre-match perspective. Reuters
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Al Jazeera: Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia 2–3: AFC World Cup qualifier – as it happened — live commentary and match flow. Al Jazeera
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ESPN / Global: “Indonesia must retain belief in FIFA World Cup dream despite agonising loss to Saudi Arabia” — post-match analysis and implications. ESPN.com
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NDTV: “Saudi Arabia Win See-Saw FIFA World Cup Qualifier With Indonesia” — narrative style match report with context.
