Persipura Jayapura defeated Persiba Balikpapan 5-1 at Stadion Gelora Delta Sidoarjo on Friday, October 23, 2026, in round seven of the Pegadaian Championship Eastern Group, kompasiana.com reported. The victory lifted the Mutiara Hitam into sixth place in the standings, just behind Barito Putera in fifth.

Stadion Gelora Delta Sidoarjo Hosts Five-Goal Surge

The match at Stadion Gelora Delta Sidoarjo began with Persipura dominating possession, though early finishing struggles kept Regi Aditya’s side from converting their chances. The deadlock broke in the 21st minute when Ricardo Lima scored from a Bima Ragil corner kick to make it 1-0 before halftime. Early in the second half, young player Gelfias doubled the lead to 2-0 in the 49th minute.

Persipura continued to press after securing a two-goal cushion. Captain Gunansar Mandowen delivered an assist for Alexsandro Ferreira to score in the 57th minute, and Gunansar added a goal of his own moments later in the same minute. Takumu scored a consolation goal for Persiba Balikpapan in the 79th minute, before Febrian Uopmabin capped the scoring with a goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, 90+6′.

Persipura Gains Depth as Persiba Balikpapan Struggles

Ahead of the fixture, Persipura welcomed back Boaz Solossa and Ruben Sanadi, who had spent recent weeks recovering from injuries and returned to full training alongside Japanese midfielder Takuya Matsunaga. The added depth arrived as Persipura built momentum following a 6-1 victory over PSBS Biak in the previous round.

Conversely, Persiba Balikpapan entered the match mired in a difficult run, having suffered six consecutive defeats without a point to sit ninth in the table alongside PSBS Biak. Regi Aditya spent training sessions focusing on attacking efficiency and defensive solidity to prepare his squad for the encounter.

Upcoming Pegadaian Championship Fixture Against Persela Lamongan

Following their victory over Persiba Balikpapan, Gunansar Papua Mandowen and his teammates turn their attention to round eight of the Pegadaian Championship. Persipura Jayapura is scheduled to face Persela Lamongan on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 19.00 WIB.