SURAKARTA, Indonesia – PSS Sleman secured a crucial point on the road Sunday, battling to a 1-1 draw against Kendal Tornado FC at Stadion Sriwedari in Surakarta. The result keeps PSS at the summit of Group 2 in the 2025-2026 Championship, but the race for promotion is intensifying with several teams breathing down their necks.
The match, played on March 29, 2026, saw PSS take the lead through Riko Simanjuntak in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from the hosts. However, Kendal Tornado responded swiftly, with Dimas Sukarno leveling the score just a minute later.
With five matches remaining in the season, the Championship Group 2 standings are incredibly tight. PSS currently leads with 46 points, but Persipura Jayapura trails closely behind with 43, and Barito Putera is just one point further back on 42. Even Kendal Tornado, newly promoted to the Championship, remains in contention with 41 points.
The draw was particularly significant given the results of other matches this week. Persipura Jayapura defeated Deltras FC 3-0, while Barito Putera was held to a 1-1 draw by Persiku Kudus. This outcome underscores the competitive nature of the league and the importance of every point earned.
PSS Sleman coach Ansyari Lubis expressed gratitude for the point earned, acknowledging the difficulty of playing away against a direct promotion rival. “This is a fair result on the night,” Lubis said after the match, as reported by BolaSport.com. “We didn’t lose any points, we added one, and gaining even one point is crucial at the end of the competition.”
Lubis emphasized the need for his players to maintain focus in the remaining matches. “The players must refocus for the rest of the competition,” he stated. A loss for PSS would have seen them only two points ahead of both Persipura and Kendal Tornado, highlighting the significance of avoiding defeat.
“This was a crucial match because Kendal Tornado is a direct competitor,” Lubis added. “We knew Persipura won yesterday, and Barito drew.”
The match itself saw a tense first half with both teams playing cautiously. PSS was reportedly more aggressive in the early stages, while Kendal Tornado began to threaten as the half progressed. The breakthrough came shortly after the restart, with Simanjuntak’s goal giving PSS the advantage. However, the lead proved short-lived as Sukarno’s quick response restored parity.
The late stages of the match saw both teams pushing for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal. PSS forward Riko Simanjuntak had a chance to extend the lead in the 76th minute, but his shot was saved by Kendal Tornado goalkeeper Try Hamdani.
The result leaves PSS in a strong, but not unassailable, position. The team’s ability to navigate the remaining fixtures will be critical to securing promotion to the Super League. The pressure is mounting as the season reaches its climax, and every match will be a battle for valuable points.
For PSS Sleman, the focus now shifts to their next challenge. The team will need to analyze their performance against Kendal Tornado, particularly their vulnerability to set-piece goals, and prepare for a demanding schedule as they aim to maintain their position at the top of Group 2. The Championship race is far from over, and PSS will need to be at their best to secure promotion.
Fans can follow PSS Sleman’s progress and receive official updates through the team’s official website and social media channels. The next match details will be announced shortly, and supporters will be eager to see how PSS responds to this hard-fought draw.
