BANDA ACEH – Persiraja Banda Aceh ensured a top-five finish in the standings after closing the second round of the 2025/26 Pegadaian Championship with a convincing 4–2 victory over PSPS Pekanbaru. The match was held at Stadion H. Dimurthala, Lampineung, on Sunday (February 1) night.

This victory brought Persiraja to a total of 27 points from 18 matches and secured fifth place in the standings. Meanwhile, PSPS Pekanbaru remained in eighth position.

Persiraja’s four goals were scored by Connor Flynn, who delivered an outstanding performance with two goals, along with one goal each from Omid Popalzay and Jeckhson Tiwu. The two goals for PSPS Pekanbaru were both scored by Asir Aziz, who came on as a substitute in the second half.

This result not only lifted Persiraja to fifth place but also impacted the standings race. Their rivals, PSMS Medan, had to settle for finishing the second round in sixth place, one point behind Persiraja.

By finishing in the top five, Persiraja earned the right to play five home matches and four away matches in the third round. This regulation applies to teams ranked first to fifth, while teams ranked sixth to tenth receive four home matches and five away matches.

In the third round, Persiraja are scheduled to host matches against PSMS Medan, Garudayaksa FC, PSPS Pekanbaru, Sriwijaya FC, and Sumsel United. Meanwhile, for away matches, Laskar Rencong will face Adhyaksa FC, Persikad, Persekat Tegal, and FC Bekasi City.

In the current Group 1 standings, Persiraja sit in fifth place with 27 points. The top of the table is still held by Garudayaksa FC with 34 points, followed by Adhyaksa FC (33 points), Sumsel United (31 points), and FC Bekasi City, who have the same number of points as Persiraja with 27.

Persiraja assistant coach Wahyu Abdul Wahab described the victory as the result of hard work from all players who performed at their best in front of their home supporters.

“Alhamdulillah, we are grateful for this result. All the players worked hard and gave their best to earn points in front of our own supporters,” said Wahyu AW.