HARIANEXPRESS – Persebaya Surabaya clinched the President’s Cup on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, defeating Persib Bandung 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali.
This victory marks the end of a long 22-year wait for the “Bajul Ijo” to lift a major trophy. The decisive match saw Persebaya emerge victorious after an intense battle culminating in spot-kicks.
Persebaya coach Bernardo Tavares expressed immense joy regarding this achievement. The Portuguese coach highly appreciated his team’s struggle and mentality on the field, despite a prior bad experience with penalty shootout losses.
Tavares noted that the match did not have an extremely high intensity due to both teams having minimal recovery time. He emphasized that Persebaya had less recovery time than Persib, yet the players’ attitude and mentality were “fantastic.”
He assessed that Persebaya was more dominant and created cleaner chances throughout the game. Even after conceding a goal due to defensive lapses, the team’s fighting spirit remained strong until the final whistle.
“Today, August 6, Persebaya brings home a trophy. After 22 years without a major trophy, that wait is finally over. Congratulations to Bonek and Bonita,” ujar Bernardo Tavares.
Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Persebaya player Reza Arya conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to his teammates. He lauded their maximum effort during more than 100 minutes of play amidst a very tight schedule.
“We did not have time for tactical training and only focused on recovery. However, my teammates fought more than 100 percent on the field. Thank you to all the players, families, and certainly Bonek-Bonita who always provide support,” kata Reza Arya.
The hard-fought victory highlights the resilience and determination of the Persebaya squad. This triumph is a significant milestone for the club and its dedicated fanbase, “Bonek” and “Bonita.”
