Pekanbaru United Edge Sumsel United 2-1 in Indonesian Liga 2 Away Test

Pekanbaru United secured a valuable 2-1 away victory over Sumsel United in Indonesian Liga 2 on September 26, 2026, producing a disciplined second-half display to take all three points from a tense contest. The match, which kicked off at 16:30 local time, was decided by fine margins, but Pekanbaru United’s sharper finishing and better control of the final third proved decisive.

Sumsel United made the brighter start in front of their home support and opened the scoring through Dimas Aryanto, who latched onto a clever through ball before placing a low finish beyond the goalkeeper. The lead gave the home side confidence, but Pekanbaru United responded well and equalised shortly before half-time when Fajar Ramadhan rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross and head home. The second half was more balanced, but Pekanbaru found the winning moment in the 78th minute through Rizky Kurniawan, whose composed finish capped a swift counter-attacking move.

Match Overview

Sumsel United enjoyed slightly more possession and tried to dictate the tempo through their midfield triangle, but they struggled to turn that control into clear chances after the break. Pekanbaru United sat in a compact shape, invited pressure at times, and then broke forward with purpose. The visitors managed six shots on target compared with Sumsel’s four, and that extra accuracy in front of goal made the difference in a match that could easily have ended level.

The game was played at a high tempo, with both teams committing numbers forward in transition. Sumsel United’s full-backs pushed high to support the attack, leaving space behind for Pekanbaru to exploit. That tactical battle became the defining feature of the second half, and Pekanbaru’s willingness to absorb pressure before striking on the counter ultimately paid off.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Sumsel United take the lead through Dimas Aryanto after a quick exchange on the edge of the box.
• 42nd minute: Pekanbaru United equalise as Fajar Ramadhan heads in from a dangerous wide delivery.
• 58th minute: Sumsel United force a strong save from the Pekanbaru goalkeeper after a long-range effort.
• 78th minute: Rizky Kurniawan scores the winner for Pekanbaru United, finishing calmly after a fast break.
• 90+3 minutes: Sumsel United send a late header wide as Pekanbaru hold on for the win.

Tactical Story

Sumsel United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and looked to build patiently through central areas, with the attacking midfielder drifting between the lines. Their early goal came from exactly that kind of patient build-up, but as the game wore on, Pekanbaru United’s 4-3-3 press began to disrupt their rhythm. The visitors won more second balls in midfield and consistently turned possession into quick forward runs.

Pekanbaru United’s coach made an important adjustment midway through the second half, shifting to a more direct 4-4-2 without the ball. That change narrowed the passing lanes for Sumsel United and created more space for counter-attacks. The winning goal was a perfect example: a turnover in midfield, a vertical pass, and a composed finish from Rizky Kurniawan.

Standout Players

Fajar Ramadhan was central to Pekanbaru United’s comeback, not only for his equalising goal but also for his link-up play and work rate. Rizky Kurniawan delivered the decisive moment and stretched the Sumsel defence throughout the second half. In midfield, Pekanbaru’s captain helped control the tempo and protected the back four in the closing stages.

For Sumsel United, Dimas Aryanto was the brightest attacking outlet and took his goal well. Their goalkeeper also made several important saves to keep the score level for long periods, but the home side will rue their inability to create more clear-cut chances after taking the lead.

What It Means in the Liga 2 Table

The win strengthens Pekanbaru United’s position in the upper half of the Indonesian Liga 2 standings and adds momentum to their push for a promotion playoff place. For Sumsel United, the defeat is a missed opportunity to climb the table at home, though their performance showed enough attacking quality to suggest better results are within reach. Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round, where consistency will be crucial as the season begins to take shape.