PSS Sleman won over Persiku Kudus, the match counting for the 11th round in the Indonesia Championship, in a very dramatic way in a world-class turnaround.
PSS Sleman Was Expected to Win Against Persiku Kudus
The odds were heavily in favor of PSS Sleman. The game was supposed to be a one-sided affair, at least on paper. The reality on the field after the first whistle-blow was surprising.
PSS Sleman had 23 points and a big advantage against their opponent: no defeat at home, a 2.5 PPG against a much lower-ranked opponent struggling to remain in the league. Persiku Kudus had only 7 points, hovering just above the place that guarantees participation in the relegation play-off.
How the Game PSS Sleman vs. Persiku Kudus Played Out
Persiku Kudus’s Igor Henrique Da Silva Costa surprised the unprepared defense with an early goal in the 10th minute. The entire defense was left stunned. Igor continued his scoring streak, having netted all three goals in Kudus’s previous match against PSIS.
PSS Sleman coach Pieter Huistra changed the game dynamic significantly. He increased the offensive intensity. Huistra replaced the defender Saiful Djoge with the forward Junior Haqi for the second half. This proved to be productive. Two minutes into the second half, Haqi leveled the game: 1-1.
In the 66th minute, Persiku Kudus’ coach Alfiat made some major changes to defense, midfield, and attack. He replaced B. Winbu with Moch Irvan Febrianto, F Cahyo with Noriki Akyada, and D. Mustaine with Nurdian Syaputra Chaniago.
A few minutes later, the PSS Sleman coach made additional changes. He replaced Fari with Safaat Romadhona and K.J. Kurniawan with Claudio Faiera Mutzi. But still no breakthrough?!
Two additional changes were made: one for PSS Sleman and one for Persiku Kudus. T. Puhiri was substituted, and Jajang Mulyana came on, while on the other team, S. D. Sute was replaced by Fathul Ihsan in the 87th and 90+6th minutes, respectively.
In stoppage time, miraculously, Mutzi delivered the winning goal in the 90+8th minute, completing PSS Sleman’s dramatic comeback.
Final Score: PSS Sleman 2-1 Persiku Kudus
Tactical Masterclass from Pieter Huistra
PSS Sleman’s victory was no accident—it was a testament to Pieter Huistra’s tactical acumen. His halftime decision to sacrifice defensive solidity for offensive firepower by introducing Junior Haqi proved pivotal, with the forward equalizing soon after being sent on to play.
But Huistra’s genius extended beyond a single substitution. His strategic use of fresh legs in the final stages kept PSS Sleman’s attacking momentum alive while Persiku Kudus visibly fatigued. The crowning moment came when another substitute, Claudio Faiera Mutzi, delivered the dramatic 90+8 winner.
This wasn’t just a comeback—it was a masterclass in proactive coaching. While Persiku Kudus coach Alfiat made reactive changes, Huistra dictated the game’s flow, turning a potential upset into a statement victory. For PSS Sleman’s promotion push, having a coach who can read the game and execute bold tactical shifts could prove invaluable.
