A Twist at Al-Inma: Saudi Arabia Surges Past Indonesia 3-2 in World Cup Qualifiers
8 October 2025
Key performers shine as Saudi edge Indonesia
In the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia secured a precious 3-2 win over Indonesia at Al-Inma Stadium to start their campaign on a high note. The match offered a mix of individual brilliance and pressure-filled moments, turning the game into a showcase of determination and nerves under the spotlight.
The clash highlighted the Saudis’ resilience and the mental tests that come with a high-stakes qualifier, with both sides pushing for control and fans treated to a rollercoaster of swings inside and outside the stadium.
Al-Brikan’s brace steals the show
Firas Al-Brikan of Al-Ahli Jeddah claimed the man-of-the-match honor after scoring twice, including a clinically taken penalty. His goals were timely, effectively tilting the balance in favor of the Green Falcons and illustrating how crucial timing can be in a tightly contested match.
Al-Brikan’s performance added to his growing tally at the senior level, and his influence came at a moment when Saudi goals often gate the momentum to victory.
First international goal for Saleh Abu Al-Shamat
Saleh Abu Al-Shamat stepped onto the international stage with his first goal for the national team, a milestone that could boost his role in future qualifiers. His strike, coupled with the team’s attacking intent, helped reinforce Saudi Arabia’s plans for progression in the campaign.
The young forward also contributed to the team’s offensive dynamics by pressing and linking up with teammates in the attacking third.
Drama, discipline and momentum
Mohammed Kano’s late intervention became a talking point as he received a red card after a quick sequence that began with a yellow. The dismissal underscored how fine the margins are in qualifiers, where a single moment of indiscipline can swing the game’s balance and test a squad’s depth.
The result required Saudi patience and a disciplined defensive resolve to withstand Indonesia’s late pressure and preserve the win.
Fans, celebrations and the journey ahead
The Al-Inma atmosphere roared with color and energy, with tributes and banners reflecting the fans’ passion. A collective taste for success and a message of unity filled the stands as the team celebrated a hard-earned victory and looked ahead to the next fixture against Iraq, which many saw as a litmus test for the group’s trajectory.
Coach Hervé Renard’s sidelines were a theatre of emotion, with moments of frustration following defensive lapses and miscommunications—reminders that even in victory, there is room for adjustment before the next challenge.
Squad dynamics and the road to 2026
As the qualification campaign unfolds, the mix of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and tactical experimentation will shape Saudi Arabia’s chances of reaching the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The win against Indonesia adds a spark to the group and keeps the Green Falcons firmly in the hunt for progression.
Final whistle emotions aside, football is a sport of small margins; a brace, a first goal, a red card, and a banner in the stands can define a team's story for months to come.
Punchline 1: If defense were a restaurant, Saudi Arabia’s backline would serve a full menu—just don’t ask for seconds. Punchline 2: In the world of football, even a red card can feel like a dramatic plot twist—plot twists always come with popcorn.
