Persikad Depok successfully defeated PSPS Pekanbaru with a narrow 1-0 score in the continuation of League 2 2025/2026 held at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor. This victory marks Persikad’s first win of the season while extending PSPS’s winless record since the competition began.
The only goal was scored by Enzo Celestine from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, following a handball foul committed by Christian Santos in the penalty box. Celestine, who had previously failed to convert a penalty in the first half, appeared calmer this time. With a precise chip technique, he directed the ball to the center of the goal, fooling PSPS goalkeeper M. Darmawan who had moved to the right.
From the start of the match, both teams displayed mutual pressure. Persikad got their first golden opportunity when the referee pointed to the penalty spot in the first half after a foul in the 16-yard box. However, Celestine’s first penalty attempt was brilliantly saved by Darmawan, maintaining the 0-0 score until halftime.
In the second half, the tempo of the game increased. Both teams played openly and took turns launching attacks. PSPS tried to counter with quick attacks from the wings, but Persikad’s defensive line remained disciplined and managed to neutralize the threats.
The goal awaited by the Pakansari crowd finally came in the 78th minute. After the ball hit Christian Santos’s hand in the forbidden area, the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot again. This time, Celestine redeemed his earlier failure and put Persikad ahead 1-0 in front of thousands of cheering supporters.
After falling behind, PSPS coach tried to make changes by bringing in several fresh players. Christian Santos and Asir Asiz were substituted, replaced by Hari Nur Bramdani. Shortly after, Irsan Lestaluhu was also swapped with Ilham Mahendra to add attacking power.
Despite making several substitutions, PSPS continued to struggle to penetrate Persikad’s tight defense. Even through six minutes of added time, the Pekanbaru-based team failed to create an equalizing goal. The disaster was complete when PSPS player Jefferson was sent off after committing a hard tackle against a Persikad player.
The final whistle marked the end of the match with a 1-0 victory for Persikad Depok. This result lifted Persikad to fifth position in the provisional Group A standings with five points. Meanwhile, PSPS remained at the bottom of the standings with two points, extending their streak of poor results at the start of the season.
With this victory, Persikad showed signs of revival and opened hopes for reaching the top of League 2 this season.
