Medan. PSMS Medan is in its most unique moment at the end of the 2025/2026 Liga 2 season. No longer chasing a failed promotion target, the team nicknamed Ayam Kinantan has transformed into an “unexpected judge”—a decider of the fate of other teams still fighting for a spot in Liga 1.
After securing safety, they now play freely as they host Adhyaksa FC at the Main Stadium of North Sumatra on Saturday (April 25, 2026).
A dramatic 1-0 victory over Sriwijaya FC last week, despite playing with ten men from the start, ensured PSMS was officially safe from relegation.
An early goal by Felipe Cadenazzi in the 4th minute (assisted by Clayton Da Silva) served as both a savior and a relief. Fans remained disappointed that the promotion target was missed, and the Governor of North Sumatra had even stated readiness to take over the club if PSMS did not move up a division.
Now, that pressure is gone. What remains: pride, home ground dominance, and the role of a “dark horse” that could derail other teams’ ambitions.
In the last two meetings, PSMS has not lost (one win 1-0 and one draw). The home team’s confidence is high. PSMS is at full strength except for Sadam, who is not yet 100% fit. Meanwhile, Adhyaksa arrives with a major blow: Brian is absent due to yellow card accumulation.
PSMS head coach Eko Purdjianto stated in a press conference on Friday (April 24) at the Main Stadium of North Sumatra that all players are ready to give their all.
“There are no suspensions. All players can play fully except Sadam. The win against Sriwijaya is a big motivation. This is our last home match, and we definitely want to end it with a victory. It’s not about thwarting Adhyaksa, but about performing at our best.”
Defensive midfielder Farhan, who accompanied Eko, also emphasized that the team is hungry for wins after the relegation pressure disappeared.
This match promises to be quite interesting: the drama of relegation versus promotion. PSMS, now safe, could “crush” Adhyaksa’s dream. Then there is the effect of the last home game, with Medan fans expected to fill the stadium to celebrate their “saviors.”
So, the Main Stadium of North Sumatra tomorrow night is not just a match, but a stage for honor and revenge. The Ayam Kinantan have broken free from their trap, and they are “thirsty for blood.”
If PSMS wins? It’s not just three points—they will officially become the “king of failure” for another team’s struggle.
Main Stadium of North Sumatra
The Main Stadium of North Sumatra, officially known as Stadion Utama Sumatera Utara, is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Deli Serdang, near Medan. Completed in 2022, it was built to host the 2023 PON (National Sports Week) and represents a major investment in regional sports infrastructure. The stadium has a capacity of over 25,000 spectators and serves as a modern landmark for athletic events and cultural gatherings in the province.
Sriwijaya FC
Sriwijaya FC is a professional football club based in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, founded in 1976. The club has a rich history, having won multiple domestic titles, including the Liga Indonesia Premier Division and the Indonesian Cup, and is named after the ancient Srivijaya maritime empire that once
Main Stadium of North Sumatra
The Main Stadium of North Sumatra, officially known as Stadion Utama Sumatera Utara, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Deli Serdang Regency near Medan. Construction began in 2014, and it was inaugurated in 2022, designed to host major sporting events and cultural performances. The stadium, with a capacity of over 25,000 spectators, serves as a modern landmark for the province and a key venue for football matches and national events.
Sriwijaya FC
Sriwijaya FC is a professional football club based in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia, founded on October 23, 2004. The club quickly rose to prominence, winning the Indonesian Super League in 2007 and 2012, and has a strong fan base known as “Sriwijaya Mania.” Its name is derived from the ancient Srivijaya maritime empire, reflecting the region’s historical significance in Southeast Asian trade and culture.
Medan
Medan is the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia, and serves as a major economic and cultural hub on the island of Sumatra. Its history dates back to the 16th century as a small village, but it grew rapidly during the Dutch colonial era in the 19th century due to the booming tobacco and rubber plantations. Today, Medan is known for its diverse population, colonial architecture, and as a gateway to nearby attractions like Lake Toba.
North Sumatra
North Sumatra is a province in Indonesia known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural landscapes, including Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. Historically, it was home to the Batak kingdoms and later became a key region for Dutch colonial trade, particularly in tobacco and rubber. Today, it blends traditional Batak culture with modern influences, attracting visitors to sites like the ancient royal tombs in Samosir Island.
Adhyaksa FC
Adhyaksa FC is an Indonesian football club based in South Tangerang, Banten, that competes in Liga 2. The club was founded by the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office (Kejaksaan Agung) and carries the name “Adhyaksa,” which refers to the highest prosecutor’s office in the country. Established in 2021, the team quickly rose through the ranks, aiming to promote discipline and sportsmanship while representing the legal profession in Indonesian football.
PSMS Medan
PSMS Medan is a professional football club based in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, founded on April 21, 1950. It is one of the oldest and most storied clubs in Indonesian football, having won the Perserikatan league title twice, in 1965 and 1976. The club, whose name stands for “Persatuan Sepakbola Medan dan Sekitarnya” (Medan and Surrounding Areas Football Association), remains a symbol of local pride despite periods of struggle in modern competitions.
Liga 2
Liga 2 is the second-tier professional football league in Indonesia, serving as a crucial stepping stone for clubs aiming to reach the top-level Liga 1. Established in 2017 following a restructuring of Indonesian football, it replaced the former Premier Division and features a mix of established clubs and emerging teams from across the archipelago. The league plays a vital role in developing local talent and maintaining the competitive structure of Indonesian football.
Liga 1
Liga 1 is the top professional football league in Indonesia, serving as the highest tier of the country’s football league system. Established in 2008 as the Indonesia Super League, it replaced the previous Premier Division and has since become the premier competition for Indonesian clubs. The league features multiple clubs from across the archipelago, with teams like Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung being among its most historic and popular participants.
