PSM Makassar Held to 2-2 Draw by Persita Tangerang in Liga 1

Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar and Persita Tangerang played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Indonesian Liga 1 on 19 September 2026, with both sides scoring twice in a match that swung back and forth before settling into a share of the spoils. For Makassar, the result is a frustrating one after playing in front of their own supporters; for Persita, it represents a solid away point and further evidence of their resilience on the road.

Match Overview

The home side began with intent, pushing numbers forward and asking questions of the Persita defence from the opening whistle. The breakthrough arrived after a sustained spell of pressure, when a well-timed run into the box was found by a low cross and converted with a first-time finish.

Persita responded with the composure of a team that has grown used to hostile away environments. They slowed the tempo, worked the ball into wide areas and equalised before the break with a header from a set piece — a reminder of their threat from dead-ball situations.

The second half was more open. Makassar restored their lead with a goal that owed much to individual quality, only for Persita to hit back once more, punishing a lapse in concentration at the back post. Neither side could find a fifth goal in the closing stages despite chances at both ends.

Key Moments

• 1-0 Makassar: A patient build-up and a low cross converted inside the six-yard box.
• 1-1 Persita: A headed equaliser from a corner, the away side's most effective route to goal all evening.
• 2-1 Makassar: A moment of individual brilliance restored the home lead after the interval.
• 2-2 Persita: A late back-post finish levelled the scores again and silenced the home crowd.

Tactical Story

Makassar's system relied on width and overlapping full-backs, and for long periods it worked well — they created the better chances from open play and dominated territory. The problem was in transition: whenever they lost the ball high up the pitch, Persita were able to break into space quickly, and the away side's equalisers both stemmed from moments when Makassar's defensive shape was stretched.

Persita set up to be compact and difficult to break down, then attacked selectively. Their set-piece organisation was excellent and their front two worked hard to hold possession and relieve pressure. It was not a performance built on dominance, but it was a tactically disciplined one.

Standout Players

Makassar's attacking midfielder was the game's most creative presence, linking midfield and attack and providing the assist for one of the goals. Their left-back was a constant outlet down the flank. For Persita, the central defender who scored the first equaliser was commanding in the air at both ends, and the goalkeeper made two important saves to keep the deficit manageable during Makassar's best spell.

Liga 1 Standings Impact

Dropping two points at home will feel like a missed opportunity for Makassar, who had the chances to win this match and put distance between themselves and their rivals in the Liga 1 table. The draw keeps them competitive but leaves their supporters wondering what might have been.

Persita Tangerang, meanwhile, will take real encouragement from taking a point away from one of the league's traditional strongholds. In a competition as tightly contested as Liga 1, away draws of this nature often prove valuable by the end of the campaign.