Arema FC came from behind to beat Tampines Rovers 2-1 in a tightly contested Indonesian President Cup group-stage match at a neutral venue on 28 July 2026. The Singaporean side took an early lead, but the Indonesian Liga 1 powerhouse responded with two second-half goals to secure a valuable three points in the pre-season tournament.

Match Overview

The President Cup, Indonesia’s annual pre-season competition, often features invited foreign clubs, and Tampines Rovers—one of Singapore’s most decorated teams—proved to be a stern test for Arema FC. Playing under the 16:30 kick-off in humid conditions, both sides showed attacking intent from the first whistle. The match was officiated by a local Indonesian referee, and the atmosphere reflected the growing interest in cross-border friendlies.

First Half: Tampines Strike First

Tampines Rovers controlled possession early, using quick passing to unsettle the Arema defense. In the 18th minute, a well-worked move down the right flank led to a cross that found unmarked forward Boris Kopić, who slotted home from close range to give the Stags a 1-0 lead. Arema struggled to create clear chances in the opening 45 minutes, with their midfield often bypassed by Tampines’ sharp transitions. The half ended with the Singaporean side deserving their advantage.

Second Half: Arema’s Tactical Shift Pays Off

Arema head coach made a double substitution at the break, introducing fresh legs in midfield and a more direct attacking approach. The change brought immediate results. In the 53rd minute, a long ball from defender Arthur Irawan was flicked on by forward Dedik Setiawan to Muhammad Rafi, who equalized with a composed finish past Tampines goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari.

Buoyed by the equalizer, Arema pressed higher and dominated the second half. The winning goal came in the 76th minute: a corner kick was partially cleared, and Brazilian midfielder Lucas Silva volleyed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Tampines pushed for a late equalizer but could not breach the Arema rearguard.

Key Performers

• Lucas Silva (Arema FC) – The Brazilian playmaker scored the decisive goal and controlled midfield after the tactical reshuffle.
• Muhammad Rafi (Arema FC) – His equalizer changed the momentum and showed composure under pressure.
• Boris Kopić (Tampines Rovers) – The Croatian striker was a constant threat and took his goal well.
• Arthur Irawan (Arema FC) – Provided the assist for the first goal and anchored the defense in the second half.

Tournament Context

This victory puts Arema FC in a strong position in their President Cup group, with two wins from three matches. Tampines Rovers, participating as guests, have now lost both their group games but have shown they can compete with Indonesian top-tier sides. The competition continues to serve as an important preparation platform for the upcoming Liga 1 season, while offering international exposure for clubs from neighboring nations.

For Tampines, the match highlighted the need to maintain defensive concentration for the full 90 minutes, while Arema will take confidence from their ability to overcome a deficit against a well-organized opponent. Fans from both countries will be keen to see if these sides meet again in future editions of the President Cup.