MAKASSAR – PSM Makassar suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their final home game of the 2025/2026 Super League season. The Juku Eja were edged out 1-2 by visitors Persib Bandung at the BJ Habibie Stadium in Parepare, South Sulawesi, on Sunday evening (17/5/2026).
Persib Bandung drew first blood in the 32nd minute through a clinical left-footed strike from Thom Haye. Although PSM Makassar managed to restore parity in the 54th minute thanks to a powerful Yuran Fernandes header, the late drama favored the visitors. Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Julio Cesar emerged as the hero for the Maung Bandung, heading home a decisive goal in the 90+7 minute of stoppage time.
This result brings a bitter end to PSM Makassar’s historical home dominance over Persib. The defeat leaves the South Sulawesi pride in 14th place with 34 points. Conversely, this victory marks a historic milestone for Persib, as it is their first-ever win at the BJ Habibie Stadium. The three points solidify their position at the top of the standings with 78 points, maintaining a two-point cushion over Borneo Samarinda FC, who were held to a goalless draw by Persijap Jepara.
First Half Action
PSM started aggressively, threatening the Persib goal just two minutes into the match. A cross from Ananda Raehan found Dusan Lagator, who flicked the ball toward Yuran Fernandes, but his final touch failed to hit the mark. Two minutes later, PSM earned a corner kick after a penetrative run by Rizky Eka was thwarted by Patrico Matricardi, though the subsequent set-piece yielded no major chances.
The pressure continued as Rizky Eka attempted an individual effort, but his right-footed shot was deflected by a Persib defender, making it an easy save for Teja Paku Alam. Persib responded with a quick counter-attack in the sixth minute involving Berguinho, though Ramon Tanque was unable to reach the delivery. By the 12th minute, another attempt from Rizky Eka was blocked by the organized Persib defense.
As the half progressed, Persib adopted a more patient approach, looking to draw PSM out of their defensive shape. In the 15th minute, PSM won another corner after Julio Cesar cleared a dangerous ball; Victor Luiz whipped in a cross that Savio headed goalward, but Teja was equal to the task. Persib’s own efforts to utilize set-pieces also proved fruitless throughout the opening stages.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute. A low cross from Berguinho was expertly controlled by Thom Haye, who shimmied past Yuran Fernandes before unleashing a fierce left-footed shot into the bottom corner of Hilman Syah’s goal. Persib entered the break with a 1-0 lead, despite late pressure from the hosts.
Second Half Developments
Both teams made tactical adjustments at halftime, with PSM introducing Luka Cumic and Persib bringing on Marc Klok. Just four minutes into the second half, Adam Alis forced a brilliant save from Hilman Syah with a powerful left-footed drive. PSM responded with persistent pressure, eventually finding their equalizer in the 54th minute. Following a foul on Luka Cumic, Ananda delivered a perfect free-kick into the box, where Yuran Fernandes rose highest to head the ball into the corner.
The game intensified after the equalizer, leading to a heated exchange in the 64th minute that saw yellow cards issued to Persib’s Marc Klok and PSM assistant coach Ahmad Amiruddin. Both benches turned to their substitutes to inject fresh energy, with Persib calling upon Beckham Putra and Andrew Jung, while PSM brought on Rasyid Bakri and Akbar Tanjung.
The closing stages were frantic. In the 79th minute, Andrew Jung came close with a header that drifted wide, followed by a yellow card for Persib assistant coach Igor Tolic for protesting, and one for Hilman Syah for time-wasting. Adam Alis nearly clinched it for Persib in the 86th minute, but his shot narrowly missed the post.
The decisive moment arrived in the dying seconds of stoppage time. After a series of corners, a Thom Haye delivery found Julio Cesar, who powered home the winning header in the 97th minute. The final whistle shortly after confirmed a 2-1 victory for Persib, ending a dramatic night at the BJ Habibie Stadium.
Summary
Persib Bandung secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over PSM Makassar at the BJ Habibie Stadium on May 17, 2026, ending the hosts’ long-standing home unbeaten streak. Thom Haye opened the scoring for the visitors in the 32nd minute, while Yuran Fernandes leveled the match with a header in the 54th minute. Ultimately, a decisive header from Julio Cesar in the 90+7 minute clinched the win for Persib.
This historic result marks Persib’s first victory at the stadium and keeps them at the top of the Super League standings with 78 points. The win provides a crucial two-point lead over Borneo Samarinda FC in their pursuit of a third consecutive league title. Meanwhile, the defeat leaves PSM Makassar in 14th place with 34 points as the season approaches its conclusion.