Persib Perfect, Arema FC Follow Maung Bandung Through to the 2026 President's Cup Semifinals

Persib Bandung closed the 2026 President's Cup group stage with a perfect record after defeating Tampines Rovers FC 1-0 in the final Group A fixture at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Friday evening. In the other match of the round, Arema FC beat DPMM FC 2-0.

Balsa Sekulic's solitary goal secured the win for Persib. With this result, Maung Bandung completed a clean sweep of nine points from three matches.

This victory also confirmed Persib as Group A winners. Meanwhile Arema FC took second place with six points, qualifying alongside Persib for the 2026 President's Cup semi-finals.

Persib Dominant, Tampines Hold Firm In Defence

Persib took attacking initiative immediately from kick-off. Pressure from the Maung Bandung side created a number of chances, but poor finishing remained an issue.

In the 7th minute, Faris Abdul Hafizh delivered a cross for Ramon Tanque, who was unable to convert the opportunity into a goal.

Four minutes later, Gakuto Notsuda created another threat. The Japanese player's shot was successfully parried by Tampines Rovers goalkeeper Muhammad Zharfan.

Zharfan produced another critical save shortly after, denying Ramon's effort on goal in the 15th minute.

Ramon received another clear chance in the 30th minute, only for his attempt to be shut down by the Tampines defensive line.

No goals were scored before the half-time break.

Balsa Sekulic Breaks The Deadlock

Tampines Rovers attempted to play more aggressively after the interval. However, the Singaporean club's attacking moves were consistently anticipated and neutralised by Persib's backline.

Persib finally broke through in the 81st minute. A long range strike from Balsa Sekulic flew out of Zharfan's reach, putting Persib 1-0 ahead.

Tampines ramped up pressure in the closing minutes searching for an equaliser, but Persib successfully held their lead until the full time whistle.

Gustavo Henrique Sends Arema Through To Semi-Finals

In the other group fixture, Arema FC confirmed their semi-final spot with a 2-0 victory over DPMM FC.

Gustavo Henrique was the match hero for Singo Edan, scoring both of Arema's goals in the first half.

Arema opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Gustavo Henrique finished off a built-up attack inside the penalty box to put his side 1-0 up.

The Brazilian forward doubled the lead just before half time. Breaking on a fast counter attack from midfield, Gustavo beat DPMM FC goalkeeper Muhammad Haimie one-on-one.

DPMM pushed forward with increased pressure in the second half as they tried to close the deficit. Their best chance arrived in the 69th minute, but Oscar Santis' strike was denied by goalkeeper Adi Satryo.

The 2-0 win confirmed Arema finished on six points as Group A runners-up.