2026 President's Cup Semifinal: Igor Tolic Confirms Persib Is Targeting Victory Against Persija

Persib Bandung enter the 2026 President's Cup semi-finals with one clear mission: to defeat Persija Jakarta. Head coach Igor Tolic has confirmed there are no other objectives beyond securing victory when these two historic rivals meet at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali on Tuesday 4 August 2026, 16.30 WITA.

The Croatian tactician stressed that final results are the only true measuring stick in football. According to him, no matter how elegant a team's performance is, it counts for nothing if they fail to secure a win.

"Football is about winning. It is not about playing style, attractive football or anything else. The whole point of this sport is to score one more goal than your opponent. When you do that, you walk away with the victory," Igor stated.

While acknowledging his squad is operating with a number of limitations, Igor confirmed Persib's core ambition has not shifted. Every fixture is approached with full drive to deliver the best possible result, especially when representing the proud identity of Maung Bandung in front of the Bobotoh supporter base.

He emphasised that playing outside Bandung city does not lessen the team's obligation to put out a maximum performance. For Igor, the support from Bobotoh provides additional motivation for every player to battle right through until the final whistle.

"No matter the circumstances, whenever we take the pitch for the Bobotoh - whether at home or on away ground - we will always push to give our absolute best and come away with the win," Igor reaffirmed.

Maung Bandung are carrying boosted confidence after an impressive campaign through Group A. Persib claimed maximum points across all three group matches, while also recording an unbroken clean sheet record.

This form will serve as critical foundation heading into the clash against Persija, a match that will decide one of the final spots for the 2026 President's Cup.

With a resolute defensive unit and rising team morale, Persib are aiming to extend this positive run and keep their path towards the championship title open.

For their part, Persija is set to be the hardest challenge that the Blue Prince have encountered thus far in this prestigious pre-season tournament.