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Balsa's Rocket Goal Sends Persib to the Semifinals, Bobotoh Turns Si Jalak Harupat Into a Sea of Blue

Sunday, 2 August 2026 | 10:32

Author: Rojes Saragih

Bandung – Balsa Sekulic's 82nd minute rocket goal was ultimately the deciding moment. But long before that ball crossed the Tampines Rovers goal line, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium had already been won over by tens of thousands of Bobotoh supporters.

Persib concluded their 2026 President's Cup Group A fixtures with a 1-0 victory over the Singaporean club on Friday 31 July 2026. This result secured Maung Bandung's place in the semi-finals as Group A winners, finishing the group stage with nine points from three matches.

Hours before kick-off, the entire stadium complex was already filled with a sea of blue. Thousands of Bobotoh travelled from all regions, carrying scarves and flags, dressed in their treasured club jerseys. Fans arrived with supporter communities, partners, and even brought young children to experience the match atmosphere.

ITSMe reporter Syafira was on site covering the full match day proceedings from the moment crowds first began gathering at the stadium. This coverage did not only document the on-pitch action, but also captured the personal stories and raw enthusiasm of Bobotoh that formed the heartbeat of Persib's victorious night.

For most supporters, this fixture was never just another final group match. The non-stop chants and songs that echoed around the ground long before kick-off demonstrated how Si Jalak Harupat had once again transformed into the spiritual home that fuels Maung Bandung.

On the pitch, Persib immediately took control of the game. They created multiple scoring opportunities throughout the first half, however Tampines Rovers' disciplined defensive structure kept the score locked at 0-0 going into half time.

The goalless scoreline did nothing to weaken the energy in the stands. Uninterrupted support continued without pause, even as the match entered the second half and Persib began increasing the intensity of their attacking play.

That wait finally ended in the 82nd minute. Balsa Sekulic unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area that flew straight into the Tampines Rovers net, breaking the deadlock. Within seconds, Si Jalak Harupat erupted into mass celebration.

The final whistle confirmed the 1-0 win, closing out a perfect group stage campaign for Persib. Bobotoh celebrated by singing their classic club anthems, while the squad walked over to the stands to show gratitude for the fans who had backed them relentlessly all night.

The story of the match did not end when the final score was registered. Coverage continued in the mixed zone, where Persib players greeted media with broad smiles after securing their semi-final qualification.

This atmosphere carried through to the post-match press conference. Tampines Rovers head coach Nazri Nasir acknowledged that Persib had been far more effective at converting their chances. Meanwhile Igor Tolic, appearing alongside Luka Menalo, confirmed that while this victory provided valuable momentum, the entire squad's focus was already fixed firmly on the upcoming semi-final round.

With live on-location reporting direct from Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, ITSMe presents the full complete matchday experience. From the pre-kickoff atmosphere among Bobotoh, the building tension on the pitch, right through to the moments after the final whistle, every part of this night is captured in an exclusive video that lets viewers experience firsthand the euphoria of Persib's progression to the 2026 President's Cup semi-finals.