Persikad Depok and Pekanbaru United produced one of the most entertaining matches of the Indonesian Liga 2 season on 24 October 2026, with the visitors leaving Stadion Merpati with a 3-2 victory after a frantic five-goal contest. The result swung momentum late in the second half and gave Pekanbaru United a valuable away win in a league where every point can shape the promotion race.

A fast and furious opening

Pekanbaru United started with purpose and silenced the home crowd early. In the 9th minute, Rizky Pratama latched onto a through ball behind the Persikad defense and finished calmly past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The early goal forced Persikad Depok to respond, and the home side gradually settled into a rhythm built around quick passing in midfield and overlapping runs from the full-backs.

Persikad’s pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Fajar Nugroho connected with a low cross from the right and swept the ball into the net for the equalizer. The stadium came alive, and for a spell the home team looked the more likely side to take control. However, Pekanbaru United regained the lead just before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Rizky Pratama struck again, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box and converting from close range to send the visitors into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.

Second-half momentum swings

The second half was played at a relentless pace. Persikad Depok pushed more players forward and found another equalizer in the 63rd minute through Dimas Arya, whose well-placed shot from the edge of the area beat the goalkeeper and made it 2-2. At that stage, the home side appeared to have the initiative, with Pekanbaru United dropping deeper and relying on counter-attacks.

The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute. Pekanbaru United broke quickly down the left, and Aldi Saputra arrived late in the box to steer home the winning goal. Persikad Depok threw bodies forward in the closing minutes, but Pekanbaru’s defense held firm through a tense period of stoppage time.

Tactical story

Persikad Depok enjoyed more possession and created enough chances to take at least a point, but they were repeatedly exposed in transition. Pekanbaru United’s compact midfield block and direct running in behind proved difficult to contain, especially when the home side committed extra numbers forward. The visitors’ ability to score in key moments — at the start and just before half-time — ultimately made the difference in a match of fine margins.

Standout performers

• Rizky Pratama (Pekanbaru United): Scored twice and consistently troubled the Persikad back line with his movement.
• Aldi Saputra (Pekanbaru United): Delivered the winning goal and worked tirelessly in midfield.
• Fajar Nugroho (Persikad Depok): Pulled his team back into the game with a composed equalizer.
• Dimas Arya (Persikad Depok): Provided energy and creativity, capped by a well-taken second-half goal.

What the result means

The away win strengthens Pekanbaru United’s position in the Indonesian Liga 2 standings and reinforces their reputation as a dangerous side on the road. For Persikad Depok, the defeat is a frustrating setback, especially after twice fighting back to level the score. With the league table remaining tight, both teams will know that consistency in the coming weeks will be crucial to their promotion and play-off ambitions.