The clash between Malut United and Persija Jakarta on February 24, 2026, at Stadion Gelora Kie Raha in Ternate was billed as a pivotal encounter in the Super League 2025/2026 title race. Both teams entered the 23rd week of the league high on ambition and expectation. Malut United, buoyed by their home crowd, were fourth in the standings with 41 points, while Persija Jakarta, known as Macan Kemayoran, arrived in second place with 47 points and a reputation for defensive solidity and consistent performances.
Kickoff at 19:00 WIB saw the stadium buzzing with anticipation. The stakes were high: a win for Persija would bring them level with league leaders Persib Bandung, while Malut United aimed to close the gap on the top three and bolster their own championship hopes. The match, streamed live on Vidio, promised drama—and it delivered in abundance.
From the opening whistle, Persija Jakarta displayed their intent. The visitors pressed aggressively, and it paid off almost immediately. In just the 8th minute, Alaaeddine Ajaraie broke the deadlock, slotting home after a precise assist from Gustavo Almeida. It was the perfect start for Persija, who looked determined to seize control early. "Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored the first goal for Persija at the 8th minute, assisted by Gustavo Almeida," according to match reports.
Malut United, coached by Hendri Susilo, were not about to roll over. The home side responded with a spell of pressure, nearly equalizing through a powerful header from Wbeymar Angulo, only to be denied by a sharp save from Persija's ever-reliable goalkeeper, Andritany Ardhiyasa. Moments later, David da Silva unleashed a fierce shot, but once again Andritany stood tall, preserving Persija's slender lead.
Persija, undeterred by the Malut United response, doubled their advantage in the 29th minute. This time, experienced defender Jordi Amat rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Allano Lima, sending a header past Angga Saputro to make it 2-0. The away fans erupted as Persija looked to be cruising. "Jordi Amat scored the second goal for Persija at the 29th minute, assisted by Allano Lima," as confirmed by multiple sources.
The visitors thought they had a third before the break, when Bruno Tubarao found the net, but celebrations were cut short after VAR ruled the goal out for offside. The decision kept Malut United’s hopes alive heading into halftime, but Persija maintained a commanding 2-0 lead at the interval.
Both coaches, Hendri Susilo for Malut United and Mauricio Souza for Persija Jakarta, stuck with their starting formations—Malut United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 and Persija in a 4-3-3. The tactical battle was fierce, with each side probing for weaknesses. The halftime score reflected Persija’s efficiency in front of goal and their ability to withstand Malut United’s forays.
After the break, Malut United came out with renewed vigor, spurred on by the home crowd. The hosts pressed higher up the pitch and began to create more opportunities. Their persistence finally paid off in the 77th minute when Ciro Alves latched onto a cross from Frets Butuan, poking the ball into the net and reducing the deficit to 1-2. The stadium roared—suddenly, the contest was back on.
Yet, Persija’s response was immediate and ruthless. Just three minutes later, Fabio Calonego produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a long-range effort from outside the penalty area that flew past Angga Saputro and restored Persija’s two-goal cushion at 3-1. It was a dagger to Malut United’s comeback hopes, but the hosts refused to give in.
Only two minutes after Calonego’s strike, Malut United found another lifeline. David da Silva, always a threat, capitalized on a cross from Yance Sayuri to make it 2-3 in the 82nd minute. The tension inside Stadion Gelora Kie Raha was palpable as the home side pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages.
The drama didn’t end there. In the 84th minute, VAR was called into action to assess a possible handball by a Persija defender inside the penalty area. After a lengthy review, the referee waved play on, much to the relief of the visitors. The intensity ramped up further in the dying moments when Aditya Warman, who had come on as a substitute for Persija, was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 89th minute for an elbow on an opponent—again confirmed by VAR.
Yellow cards flew throughout the match, with five issued in total—two to Malut United players and three to Persija. The physicality and competitive edge underscored just how much was at stake for both sides.
When the final whistle blew, Persija Jakarta emerged with a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The win propelled them to 50 points from 23 matches, drawing level with Persib Bandung at the top of the Super League standings, though Persib had played two games fewer. Malut United, despite the spirited fightback, remained in fourth place with 41 points, still within striking distance of the teams above but left to rue missed opportunities.
The result also highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two teams. Persija’s disciplined defense and clinical finishing set them apart, while Malut United’s attacking flair and determination made for a thrilling contest. According to Kompas TV, the match was "expected to be intense and important for title contention," and it certainly lived up to that billing.
Both coaches will take away valuable lessons. Mauricio Souza’s Persija showed resilience under pressure and an ability to respond when challenged. Hendri Susilo’s Malut United, meanwhile, demonstrated they could trouble even the league’s best, especially on home turf. The use of VAR added another layer of intrigue, with key decisions influencing the flow and outcome of the match.
Fans from both sides will remember this encounter for its drama, quality, and significance in the Super League title race. As the season heads toward its climax, every point and every match takes on added importance. For Persija Jakarta, this victory could prove pivotal in their quest for championship glory, while Malut United remain very much in the hunt, eager for another shot at the league’s elite.