Pekanbaru United delivered one of their most convincing performances of the Indonesian Liga 2 season on 18 October 2026, defeating Persiku Kudus 4-1 at Stadion Kaharuddin Nasution. A brace from Rizky Fauzi and a dominant second-half display turned a competitive contest into a clear home victory, giving the hosts three valuable points in their push up the Liga 2 table.

Match overview

Played in the humid late-afternoon conditions typical of Pekanbaru, the match began at a brisk pace. Pekanbaru United looked eager to impose themselves early and were rewarded inside the opening exchanges when Rizky Fauzi found space in the penalty area and finished confidently. Persiku Kudus responded well, equalising midway through the first half through Dimas Prasetyo, whose well-timed run and composed finish briefly silenced the home crowd.

The visitors’ parity lasted only until the closing stages of the first half. Pekanbaru regained the lead through Aldi Saputra, whose shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection on its way past the Persiku goalkeeper. That goal changed the mood of the contest, and from there the home side controlled the tempo with increasing authority.

Key moments

• 5' — Pekanbaru United 1-0: Rizky Fauzi opened the scoring after a quick attacking transition, finishing low into the corner.
• 22' — Pekanbaru United 1-1: Persiku Kudus equalised through Dimas Prasetyo, who capitalised on a brief lapse in the home defence.
• 38' — Pekanbaru United 2-1: Aldi Saputra restored the lead with a measured strike from outside the penalty area.
• 54' — Pekanbaru United 3-1: Muhammad Iqbal added a third after a flowing move down the right, converting at the back post.
• 72' — Pekanbaru United 4-1: Rizky Fauzi completed his brace, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to put the result beyond doubt.

Tactical story

Pekanbaru United’s shape was the foundation of the win. The hosts pressed Persiku Kudus high in the first half, forcing hurried clearances and creating turnovers in promising areas. Their midfield trio kept the ball moving quickly, while the wide players stretched the visitors’ back line and created space for late runs into the box.

Persiku Kudus enjoyed their best spell immediately after the equaliser, but they struggled to sustain possession under pressure. Once Pekanbaru retook the lead before half-time, the game became increasingly one-sided. The home side managed the second half intelligently, slowing the tempo when needed before accelerating into attacking transitions that repeatedly exposed Persiku’s defensive line.

The visitors’ attempts to push forward after the third goal left gaps at the back, and Pekanbaru punished them with a fourth goal in the 72nd minute. Persiku kept working until the final whistle, but clear chances became scarce as the home defence tightened its grip on the match.

Standout players

Rizky Fauzi was the obvious attacking catalyst for Pekanbaru United, scoring twice and constantly troubling the Persiku defence with his movement. Aldi Saputra controlled the midfield and delivered the decisive second goal, while Muhammad Iqbal provided energy and end product from the flank. At the back, Pekanbaru’s captain organised the line well after the equaliser, limiting Persiku’s most dangerous forward runs.

For Persiku Kudus, Dimas Prasetyo was the brightest performer, taking his goal well and remaining a willing outlet throughout. Their goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score respectable, but the visitors ultimately could not cope with Pekanbaru’s intensity over the full 90 minutes.

Season impact

The 4-1 result strengthens Pekanbaru United’s position in the Indonesian Liga 2 standings and adds momentum to their campaign. Home form is often decisive in the second tier, and a convincing win of this nature will boost confidence ahead of the next round of fixtures. For Persiku Kudus, the defeat is a setback that leaves them searching for greater defensive stability on the road.

Pekanbaru United will take particular satisfaction from the spread of goals and the control they showed after half-time. A four-goal home performance is a strong statement in Liga 2, and on this evidence the team looks well equipped to remain competitive in the upper part of the table.