Dewa United FC kicked off their 2026 preseason campaign in emphatic style on 27 August 2026, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar in an international club friendly at 16:30. The result gave the Indonesian Liga 1 outfit a timely confidence boost as they fine-tuned their squad ahead of the new domestic season, while Brisbane Roar were left to reflect on a challenging afternoon of work in their own preparation schedule.

Match Overview

Playing in front of an expectant home crowd, Dewa United controlled the tempo from the opening exchanges and looked sharp in possession against a Brisbane side that struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages. The Indonesian side pressed high, forced turnovers in dangerous areas, and took their chances when they arrived, rounding off a professional all-round display with a clean sheet.

For Brisbane Roar, the friendly served as an important test against a physical and organised opponent. They enjoyed brighter spells after the interval and created a handful of half-chances, but a lack of precision in the final third meant they were unable to find a way past a disciplined Dewa United defence.

Key Moments

• First-half breakthrough: Dewa United opened the scoring midway through the first half after a swift counter-attack caught Brisbane’s backline out of shape. A composed finish from inside the box gave the hosts a deserved lead.
• Second goal after the break: The home side doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the visitors. A well-worked move down the flank ended with a clinical strike to make it 2-0.
• Late Brisbane pressure: Brisbane pushed forward in the final 20 minutes and tested the Dewa United goalkeeper with a couple of long-range efforts, but the hosts held firm to preserve their clean sheet.

Tactical Story

Dewa United lined up in a compact 4-3-3 shape, looking to dominate central areas and spring quickly into wide channels. Their full-backs pushed high in possession, allowing the wingers to drift inside and create overloads around Brisbane’s defensive midfield. This approach paid off, particularly in transition, where the pace of Dewa’s front line repeatedly troubled the Roar back four.

Brisbane Roar, by contrast, attempted to build patiently from the back and control possession, but they were frequently forced sideways by Dewa’s aggressive pressing structure. When they did bypass the first line of pressure, they lacked the final pass to unlock a well-organised defensive block. The introduction of substitutes added fresh legs and energy for the visitors, yet they were unable to turn territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.

Standout Players

For Dewa United, the entire defensive unit deserves credit for a composed performance, but the goalscorers will naturally take the headlines. Their midfield pivot also stood out, breaking up play effectively and starting attacks with incisive forward passes. For Brisbane Roar, the young winger provided the brightest spark, showing willingness to take on his marker, while the central defender made several important interventions to keep the scoreline respectable.

Friendly Context and Season Preparation

This international club friendly was more than just a routine warm-up; it provided both sides with valuable minutes against unfamiliar opposition. For Dewa United, the victory over an A-League side represents a marker of progress as they aim to push further up the Liga 1 standings in the upcoming campaign. The coaching staff will be encouraged by the team’s defensive solidity and sharpness in front of goal, two areas that often define successful seasons.

For Brisbane Roar, the result offers a clear checklist of areas to address before competitive fixtures resume. While friendlies are ultimately about fitness and experimentation, the coaching staff will want more cohesion in attack and greater concentration when defending transitions. The tour provides an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim, and the trip to Indonesia will be seen as a useful learning experience for the squad as a whole.

Ultimately, the 2-0 scoreline reflected the balance of play on the day. Dewa United were the sharper, more organised side and fully deserved their victory, while Brisbane Roar will take the lessons learned back to their training ground as they continue their preseason build-up.