Jeddah. The Indonesian national football team (Timnas) secured a 1-1 draw against hosts Saudi Arabia in their Group C third-round 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Friday.

A crucial penalty save by Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes helped the Garuda squad leave with a point against Saudi Arabia, coached by former Italy national team manager Roberto Mancini.

Playing at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Indonesia took the lead in the 19th minute through Ragnar Oratmangoen’s goal.  The FCV Dender player found space and unleashed a left-footed shot. The ball deflected off Sandy Walsh but Ragnar was credited with the goal. Indonesia went ahead 1-0.

However, Saudi Arabia equalized just before halftime with a strike from Musab Aljuwayr in the third minute of injury time. The first half ended 1-1.

In the second half, Saudi Arabia pressed forward aggressively, attempting several shots on goal, but Indonesia’s defense, led by Maarten Paes, stood firm. The Garuda team faced a scare in the 77th minute when Paes conceded a penalty after fouling Saudi forward Feras Albrikan inside the box.

Despite his earlier mistake, Paes redeemed himself by saving the resulting penalty from Saudi captain Salem Al Dawsari in the 79th minute. He followed up with two more crucial saves, first from a long-range effort by Mohammed Kanno in the 88th minute and then a one-on-one duel with Feras Albrikan in stoppage time.

The match ended with no further goals, and Indonesia earned a valuable point.

In their next 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifier, Indonesia will face Australia on Tuesday at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

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