Persib Bandung edged DPMM FC 1-0 in a tightly contested Indonesian President Cup encounter at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium on July 28, 2026. The solitary goal, scored in the second half, proved enough for Maung Bandung to claim all three points and strengthen their position in the group stage of the pre-season tournament.

Match Overview

The Indonesian President Cup, a prestigious pre-season competition featuring clubs from across the archipelago and invited foreign teams, saw a clash between Brunei's DPMM FC and Indonesian giants Persib Bandung. Played under the floodlights at the home of DPMM, the match was expected to be a stern test for the visitors, who have a rich history in the competition. Persib came into the game with a reputation for disciplined defending and quick transitions, while DPMM aimed to use home advantage to upset the odds.

Key Moments

• 0-0 at half-time: Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in a physically intense first half. DPMM's defense held firm, with goalkeeper Ishyra Asmin Djaha making a sharp save from a long-range effort by Persib's attacking midfielder.
• Second-half breakthrough (62'): Persib broke the deadlock through a well-worked set piece. A corner from the right was met by a towering header from central defender Nick Kuipers, who powered the ball past the DPMM goalkeeper.
• Late DPMM pressure (80'+): After falling behind, DPMM pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Substitute striker Hakeme Yazid Said came close with a curling shot that sailed just wide of the post, but Persib's backline, marshaled by Kuipers, held firm.
• Final whistle: Despite a nervy final ten minutes and four minutes of added time, Persib Bandung secured a hard-fought victory.

Tactical Story

Persib Bandung adopted a pragmatic approach, sitting deep in a compact 4-4-2 shape and seeking to hit DPMM on the counter. DPMM, playing in a 4-3-3, dominated possession in the first half but lacked penetration against a well-organized Persib defense. The turning point came when Persib won a corner, a set piece they had clearly rehearsed — the delivery was precise, and Kuipers' run was perfectly timed. After the goal, Persib dropped deeper, inviting DPMM to attack but maintaining defensive solidity. DPMM's final ball consistently lacked quality, and their frustration grew as Persib's experienced goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam made crucial claims and clearances.

Standout Players

• Nick Kuipers (Persib Bandung): The Dutch-born defender was immense at the back, winning aerial duels and scoring the decisive goal. His leadership in organizing the defense was vital.
• Teja Paku Alam (Persib Bandung): The goalkeeper made several secure catches under pressure and commanded his area well, particularly during DPMM's late assault.
• Azwan Ali Rahman (DPMM FC): The DPMM captain worked tirelessly in midfield, trying to create chances and drive his team forward, but lacked support in the final third.

Season and Tournament Impact

With this win, Persib Bandung collected three valuable points in the Indonesian President Cup group stage, boosting their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. The result also demonstrated their ability to grind out results on the road, a trait that will serve them well in the upcoming Liga 1 season. For DPMM FC, the narrow defeat was a missed opportunity but showed they can compete with top Indonesian sides. They will need to sharpen their attacking edge in their remaining group matches to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The Indonesian President Cup continues to serve as an important pre-season benchmark, and this match highlighted the tactical discipline and resilience that Persib Bandung will rely on as they aim for silverware in the 2026–27 campaign.