Persijap Jepara vs Persib Bandung: Clash of Contrasting Fortunes at Gelora Bumi Kartini

Matchweek 3 of the 2026/27 BRI Super League will see Persijap Jepara host Persib Bandung in an intriguing clash at Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM WIB.

Persijap Jepara will be looking to secure their first points of the season when they welcome Persib Bandung in front of their home supporters. Playing at Gelora Bumi Kartini could provide Laskar Kalinyamat with an important opportunity to end their disappointing start to the campaign.

Persijap are currently under significant pressure after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Even more concerning, Mario Lemos’ side have failed to score in both games, leaving them near the bottom of the early BRI Super League standings.

Their most recent result saw Persijap suffer a narrow defeat away to Borneo FC. Once again, their biggest problem was their inability to convert chances into goals, with their attacking line still searching for its first goal of the season.

Meanwhile, Persib Bandung travel to Jepara with their sights set on taking home all three points. Igor Tolic’s side will be eager to bounce back after suffering a defeat against Persija Jakarta and maintain their position among the teams at the top of the BRI Super League table.

Persib also arrive with plenty of confidence after making history by becoming the first team to defeat a South Korean side on home soil. The Pangeran Biru previously secured a 1-0 victory over Seoul FC.

Despite having a stronger squad on paper, however, playing at Gelora Bumi Kartini will not be an easy task for Persib. The recent head-to-head record between the two sides has been relatively balanced, with their last three domestic meetings producing competitive results.

Their most recent encounter came at the end of last season in May 2026, when the two sides played out a goalless draw. Interestingly, Persijap also defeated Persib 2-1 when they hosted the Bandung giants in August 2025, highlighting the advantage they can gain from playing in Jepara.

The upcoming encounter is expected to be closely contested from the opening whistle. Persijap’s defensive discipline and ability to exploit counter-attacking opportunities could prove crucial if they are to withstand Persib Bandung’s varied attacking threat.

Persijap Jepara vs Persib Bandung Head-to-Head

• May 23, 2026: Persib Bandung 0-0 Persijap Jepara
• August 18, 2025: Persijap Jepara 2-1 Persib Bandung
• August 19, 2014: Persib Bandung 5-0 Persijap Jepara
• February 9, 2014: Persib Bandung 1-1 Persijap Jepara

Predicted Lineups

Persijap Jepara (4-3-3)

Rajiv Abizal (GK); N. Yakubu, Buyung Ismu, Rahmat Hidayat, Marcos Blasco; Rakhmatsho Rakhmatzoda, Pirulo, Borja Martinez; Vasko Kalezic, Juan Douglas, Yaya Sogodogo.

Manager: Mario Lemos

Persib Bandung (4-2-3-1)

Teja Paku Alam (GK); Kakang Rudianto, Gabriel Mutombo, P. Matricardi, Eliano Reijnders; Thom Haye, Adam Alis; Beckham Putra, Uilliam Barros, Mariano Peralta; Balsa Sekulic.

Manager: Igor Tolic