Sumsel United 2-1 Persikad Depok: Hosts Complete Second-Half Comeback

Sumsel United produced a determined second-half comeback to beat Persikad Depok 2-1 in Indonesian Liga 2 on Sunday, turning a difficult opening period into an important home victory.

Persikad Depok had taken an early lead and looked comfortable for much of the first half, but Sumsel United responded after the interval with greater urgency and sharper movement in the final third. Two goals in the second half completed the turnaround and gave the home supporters a result to remember at Stadion Bumi Sriwijaya.

Match overview

The visitors started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Arif Setiawan, who finished a quick counterattack after Sumsel United lost possession in midfield. Persikad’s compact shape made it difficult for the hosts to find rhythm, and the away side nearly doubled their advantage before the break with a header that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Sumsel United emerged from the interval with a more aggressive approach. The equaliser arrived in the 52nd minute when Rizky Hidayat rose highest to head home a corner. The home side continued to push forward, and their pressure told in the 79th minute when Bagus Saputra latched onto a clever through ball from Dimas Aryo and finished low into the far corner.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Arif Setiawan gives Persikad Depok the lead with a composed finish on the counter.
• 52nd minute: Rizky Hidayat heads Sumsel United level from a corner.
• 79th minute: Bagus Saputra scores the winner after a fine through ball from Dimas Aryo.
• 90+4 minutes: Persikad push numbers forward but Sumsel United defend their box to secure the win.

Tactical story

Persikad Depok’s first-half plan was clear: stay compact, deny space between the lines and strike quickly when turnovers occurred. It worked for long stretches, and their midfield block forced Sumsel United into sideways passing. However, the visitors struggled to maintain that intensity after the break, and their defensive line dropped deeper as the home side increased the tempo.

Sumsel United’s second-half switch to a more direct attacking pattern changed the game. With the wingers pushing higher and the full-backs overlapping, the hosts were able to deliver more crosses into the box and create second-ball opportunities around the penalty area. The introduction of fresh legs in midfield also helped them sustain pressure, and Persikad eventually cracked under the weight of those repeated attacks.

Standout performers

Hidayat was a constant threat in the air and gave Sumsel United a focal point in attack, while Saputra’s movement and finishing proved decisive. Aryo’s assist for the winner highlighted his vision in tight spaces. For Persikad, Setiawan was lively throughout and took his goal well, while goalkeeper Reza Maulana made several important saves to keep the visitors in the contest until the closing stages.

What the result means

The three points lift Sumsel United into a more comfortable position in the Indonesian Liga 2 standings and reinforce their strength at home. Persikad Depok, meanwhile, remain in a difficult patch and will need to convert promising first-half spells into full-match performances. The result also adds momentum to Sumsel United’s push for a place in the upper half of the table, while Persikad must regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.