2026 President's Cup: Persib advance to the semifinals, while Arema FC is still chasing their qualification ticket.

Persib Bandung became the first team to secure a ticket to the 2026 President's Cup semi-finals from Group A. Nicknamed Maung Bandung, the side extended their winning run by defeating DPMM FC 1-0 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency on Tuesday, while also claiming the top spot in the provisional group standings.

In another fixture, Arema FC opened up their qualification chances after beating Tampines Rovers 2-1. This result means the battle for the single remaining semi-final spot from Group A will go all the way to the final matchday.

Persib applied pressure right from kick-off. Their first goalscoring opportunity, built through a combination play between Hamra Hehanusa and Ikhwan Tanamal, was successfully neutralised by DPMM FC's defensive line.

Oscar Santis briefly found the back of Persib's net, but the goal was immediately disallowed by the referee for an offside infringement.

The Brunei Darussalam side threatened again shortly after via a powerful strike from Dalberto, only for Persib goalkeeper Fitrah Maulana to pull off an exceptional save.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock before the first half concluded.

Upon entering the second half, head coach Igor Tolic made triple attacking substitutions, introducing Berguinho, Luka Menalo and Uilliam Barros. These changes noticeably lifted Persib's attacking aggression.

The long-awaited goal finally arrived via a 74th minute penalty. Balsa Sekulic's initial spot kick was parried by DPMM goalkeeper Samuel Somerville, but the Montenegrin forward reacted first to the loose rebound to fire Persib into a 1-0 lead.

DPMM pushed hard to level the score, but no further goals were registered before the final whistle blew.

Arema FC Keep Qualification Hopes Alive

Meanwhile, the other Group A fixture ended with victory for Arema FC over Tampines Rovers. A brace from new signing striker Gustavo Henrique proved the difference, as the side nicknamed Singo Edan defeated the Singaporean representatives 2-1.

Tampines mounted a late fightback when Dylan Fox pulled a goal back, but Arema successfully defended their narrow lead until full time.

Collecting three points from two matches puts Arema in second place in the provisional group standings. Tampines Rovers meanwhile drop to the bottom of the table on one point, level with DPMM FC.

The race for the final remaining semi-final ticket remains fully open. On the final Group A matchday, Friday 31 July, Persib Bandung will face Tampines Rovers, while Arema FC will meet DPMM FC.