Persiraja Banda Aceh came from behind to beat PSGC Ciamis 2-1 in Indonesian Liga 2 on Saturday, with a second-half winner sending the home crowd into raptures at the Harapan Bangsa Stadium. PSGC Ciamis took an early lead through Asep Saepudin, but Persiraja responded through Riski Novriansyah before Zulfikar struck the decisive goal in the 76th minute. The victory keeps Persiraja’s promotion ambitions firmly on track.

Match overview

The visitors made a bright start and stunned the home support in the 12th minute when Saepudin capitalised on a defensive lapse and slotted past the goalkeeper. Persiraja took time to settle, but their response was measured rather than frantic. They dominated possession for the rest of the first half and equalised in the 39th minute when Novriansyah met a low cross at the near post and flicked it into the net.

The second half was played at a high tempo, with Persiraja pushing forward in search of a winner and PSGC Ciamis threatening on the counter-attack. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Zulfikar found space at the edge of the box and fired a low shot through a crowd of defenders. PSGC pushed for a late equaliser, but Persiraja’s defence held firm through five minutes of stoppage time.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Asep Saepudin gives PSGC Ciamis a surprise lead with a composed finish inside the box.
• 39th minute: Riski Novriansyah equalises for Persiraja with a clever near-post finish.
• 58th minute: Persiraja hit the crossbar after a powerful header from a corner.
• 76th minute: Zulfikar scores the winner with a low drive from the edge of the area.
• 90+3 minute: PSGC Ciamis’ final attack ends with a blocked shot as Persiraja clear the danger.

Tactical story

Persiraja set up with a possession-based approach, using their full-backs to stretch PSGC Ciamis and create overloads in wide areas. The hosts were initially frustrated by the visitors’ deep defensive block, but their patience paid off before half-time. PSGC’s early goal forced Persiraja to commit more bodies forward, which in turn left space for counter-attacks.

The second half was a test of Persiraja’s composure. They continued to dominate the ball but had to be wary of PSGC’s pace on the break. The introduction of fresh attacking legs from the bench gave Persiraja extra impetus, and Zulfikar’s winner came from a moment of individual quality rather than a structured team move.

Standout players

Riski Novriansyah was Persiraja’s most dangerous attacker, constantly finding space between the lines and scoring the crucial equaliser. Zulfikar delivered the decisive moment with a confident finish, while Asep Saepudin was PSGC Ciamis’ best player, causing problems with his movement and taking his goal well. Persiraja’s goalkeeper also made a key save late on to preserve the win.

Table and season impact

The three points reinforce Persiraja Banda Aceh’s reputation as one of the toughest teams to beat at home in Indonesian Liga 2. Coming from behind against a disciplined opponent will boost confidence in the dressing room. For PSGC Ciamis, the defeat is a painful one after taking an early lead, but their performance showed they can compete away from home. Persiraja will now look to build on this result as they chase promotion, while PSGC must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind in the standings.