Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Feras Al Brikan struck twice as Saudi Arabia came from behind to defeat Indonesia 3-2 in a dramatic AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 playoff clash at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Wednesday night.

Kevin Diks gave Indonesia a shock lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute, but Herve Renard’s men hit back through Saleh Abu Al Shamat before Al Brikan’s double either side of halftime put the six-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the brink of another appearance at the finals.

Diks added a late consolation — also from the spot — after Mohammed Kanno was sent off, but it wasn’t enough to deny Saudi Arabia a vital home win in Group B.

The visitors started brightly and were rewarded early when Al Hilal defender Hassan Al Tambakhti handled Dean James’ delivery, with referee Ahmad Al Ali awarding a penalty after a lengthy VAR check.

Diks, who had missed from the spot in Indonesia’s previous qualifier against Australia, made no mistake this time, drilling his effort past Nawaf Al Aqidi.

Saudi Arabia responded quickly. Six minutes later, Abu Al Shamat swept home from the edge of the area after clever build-up play to level the score.

The Green Falcons pressed for more, with Nawaf Bu Washl denied by Maarten Paes before Abu Al Shamat rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike.

The pressure told in the 36th minute when Yakob Sayuri was penalized for tugging Al Brikan’s shirt in the box, and the Al Ahli forward converted from the spot to make it 2-1.

He then grabbed his second — and Saudi’s third — just past the hour mark, reacting first to finish a rebound after Paes had pushed out Musab Al Juwayr’s long-range attempt.

Diks’ second penalty in the 88th minute and Kanno’s stoppage-time red card added late tension, but Saudi Arabia held firm for three crucial points that leave them poised to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Renard’s side next face Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday, while Indonesia must beat Australia to keep their qualification hopes alive.