Barito Putera secured a 3‑1 victory over Persipura Jayapura on 17 January 2026 at Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium, extending their unbeaten run and widening the gap at the top of Group B in the 2025/2026 Indonesia Championship. Ricky Pratama netted twice, while Muhammad Ilham added the second goal, giving Barito a four‑point lead over the chase pack.
Match Overview
Barito entered the fixture as group leaders, deploying a disciplined 4‑2‑3‑1 formation focused on quick transitions and high pressing. Persipura responded with a compact 3‑5‑2 setup aimed at neutralising Barito’s wing play and exploiting set‑piece chances.
First Half – Barito’s Early Dominance
- 22′: Ricky Pratama opened the scoring with a low‑driven finish from the edge of the box after a swift counter‑attack.
- 32′: Right‑back Fahri Gunawan made an overlapping run, creating a defensive error that allowed striker Muhammad Ilham to double the lead.
Second Half – Persipura’s Response and Barito’s Seal
- 57′: Persipura equalised when centre‑back Yusuf Budi headed in a corner.
- 73′: A quick one‑two between Ricky Pratama and Mochamad Fajar split the defence, and Pratama scored his second of the night to restore a two‑goal cushion.
- 80′‑90′: Barito managed the game with a low block, absorbing pressure and preserving the 3‑1 lead.
Tactical Analysis
Barito’s high‑pressing strategy forced Persipura into errors early, while the midfield pivot of Pratama and Fajar provided the creative link for the decisive third goal. Persipura’s shift to a more attacking posture after halftime created chances but left them vulnerable to Barito’s disciplined defensive shape.
Impact on Championship Race
The win extends Barito’s lead at the summit to four points over second‑placed PSM Makassar and maintains a three‑point advantage over Persipura. With only three matchdays remaining in the championship round, Barito is in a commanding position to secure a direct slot in the season‑ending final.
Future Outlook
Barito Putera
Barito’s next challenge is the final group fixture against PSMS Medan. Coach Jefri Anwar is expected to rotate the squad slightly to keep key players fresh, but the Pratama‑Ilham partnership will likely remain the attacking focal point.
Persipura Jayapura
Persipura must regroup quickly for their upcoming clash with Sriwijaya FC. A victory will keep them within striking distance of the top two and preserve their hopes of reaching the championship final.
