In a thrilling encounter at the Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium, Malut United edged out Persijap with a 2-1 victory on November 3, 2025. This match was crucial for both teams, but it played out in stark contrast to their recent forms and league standings.
The game began with an air of tension as Persijap, languishing in 15th place with just eight points from nine matches, sought desperately to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, Malut United, sitting comfortably in 6th place with 17 points, aimed to solidify their position among the league's contenders. The stakes were high for both sides; for Persijap, it was about survival, while Malut United looked to maintain momentum.
The first half saw both teams probing for weaknesses until Gustavo França broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. His goal not only showcased his skill but also highlighted Malut United's attacking prowess that has been evident throughout the season. With this lead, Malut United entered halftime buoyed by confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
As the second half unfolded, Persijap knew they had to respond quickly if they wanted to salvage any points from this match. Their chance came in the 67th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick after a foul inside the box. França stepped up to take it and successfully converted, leveling the score at one apiece and igniting hope among the home fans.
However, just as Persijap seemed poised for a comeback, disaster struck. In the 78th minute, Malut United was awarded their own penalty kick following a controversial decision that left many questioning the referee's judgment. The details surrounding who took the penalty remain unclear, but what is certain is that it found its way into the back of Persijap's net, restoring Malut's lead at 2-1.
The situation worsened for Persijap shortly thereafter when they received a red card in the 79th minute. Playing with ten men against an energized Malut United side proved too much for them to handle. Despite their best efforts to push forward and find an equalizer in the remaining minutes, time ran out on their hopes of securing even a point from this match.
This result leaves Persijap still struggling at the bottom of Liga 1 with only eight points from ten matches-a stark reminder of their ongoing battle against relegation. On the other hand, Malut United continues to build on their strong form and remains well-positioned within striking distance of playoff contention.
Reflecting on my pre-match predictions-where I suggested that Persijap might pull off an upset-I must admit I misjudged how resilient Malut would be under pressure. They demonstrated tactical discipline and capitalized on key moments effectively throughout this match.
Looking ahead, Persijap will face another tough challenge as they travel to Persepam Madura Utd on November 9. They need to regroup quickly if they hope to escape their current predicament. Meanwhile, Malut United will aim to keep their winning streak alive when they visit Persita on November 23-a match that could further enhance their aspirations for higher honors this season.
As both teams reflect on today's outcome and prepare for upcoming fixtures, one thing is clear: every point counts in Liga 1's relentless race toward glory or survival.