PSM Makassar Dominates Persik Kediri 3-1 in Liga 1 Clash

PSM Makassar powered to a convincing 3-1 victory over Persik Kediri at the Stadion Gelora BJ Habibie on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in an Indonesian Liga 1 encounter that saw the home side control large stretches of the match. The result strengthens Makassar's position in the standings, while Kediri will need to regroup after a disappointing away performance.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, PSM displayed sharp attacking intent, pressing high and forcing Persik into defensive errors. The home team struck early and never looked back, with their midfield orchestrating the tempo and their forwards clinical in front of goal. Persik Kediri found a consolation but were largely outplayed throughout the 90 minutes.

Key Moments

• Early Breakthrough: PSM opened the scoring inside the first 20 minutes, capitalizing on a set-piece routine that caught the Kediri defense off guard.
• Second-Goal Pressure: A second goal before halftime gave Makassar a commanding lead, leaving Persik with an uphill climb after the interval.
• Kediri's Response: The visitors pulled one back shortly after the restart, briefly injecting life into the contest, but PSM quickly restored their two-goal advantage with a well-worked team goal.
• Late Dominance: Despite late pressure from Kediri, Makassar's defense held firm to secure all three points.

Tactical Story

PSM manager opted for a fluid 4-3-3 formation, allowing full-backs to overlap and create overloads in wide areas. Persik's compact defensive block was undone by quick one-touch passing through the middle. Kediri's reliance on long balls to bypass the midfield proved ineffective against Makassar's disciplined backline. The home side's pressing game was particularly effective in winning the ball high up the pitch.

Standout Player

PSM's central midfielder was instrumental, completing over 90% of his passes and providing the assist for the third goal. His ability to break lines with vertical passes was a constant threat. For Kediri, the substitute winger sparked the brief revival with pace and direct dribbling, but his efforts were not enough to turn the tide.

Season Impact

This victory keeps PSM Makassar firmly in contention for a top-four finish, building momentum at a crucial stage of the Liga 1 season. For Persik Kediri, the defeat halts a positive run of form and leaves them searching for answers away from home. The result also widens the gap between the two sides in the league table, with Makassar now boasting a superior head-to-head record.