Semen Padang FC Shakes Off Their Poor Record Against Dewa United

PADANG, KOMPAS — Semen Padang FC will host Dewa United in the second week match of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 at Haji Agus Salim Stadium, Padang City, West Sumatra. Not only is this a remedy for the wounds of defeat against Persib in the first week, but this match also presents a perfect opportunity for the hosts to end their poor record against Dewa.

The match between Semen Padang and Dewa United will be held on Friday (15/8/2025) at 15:30 WIB. Making their debut at home in the new season, Kabau Sirah is expected to receive full support from tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters since the club was freed from relegation last season.

"We hope to present a good match tomorrow and, of course, our main target is to secure three points," said Semen Padang FC Head Coach Eduardo Almeida at a press conference before the match in Padang, Thursday (14/8/2025). He also explained that he has prepared the team to perform better compared to their 2-0 defeat against Persib on August 9.

In this match, the home team will appear with full strength as all players have been officially registered, including the debuting foreign duo, defender Rui Rampa and midfielder Pedro Matos. Previously, Rampa and Matos were unable to participate in the first week of the league due to late registration caused by a transfer ban sanction from FIFA.

According to Almeida, only goalkeeper Teguh Amiruddin and striker Ronaldo Kwateh will be unavailable for Friday's match. Teguh has a knee problem that requires a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, while Ronaldo, who was injured from the start, will need about another month to recover.

"Additionally, all players on the list are eligible to play. Some were unable to participate yesterday due to late registration," said Almeida.

Head-to-head, Semen Padang had a poor record against Dewa United in their two BRI Liga 1 matches last season. They weren't just defeated, they were thrashed 8-1 in Padang and 6-0 in Bogor. The 8-1 defeat was the club's worst home defeat in competitive history.

Regarding the poor history against Dewa United, Almeida did not want to respond. "Last season is last season; we are talking about this season," said the coach from Portugal.

The determination to achieve victory was also expressed by defender Leo Guntara, who has rejoined Semen Padang this season. The players are preparing as best as they can to perform well this Friday.

"Tomorrow is clear, our target is three points. I hope, this is my first home game, that the stadium will be packed, and we will certainly give our best," said the player born in Padang on August 17, 1994.

On the other hand, Dewa United is also aiming for their first victory in this season's BRI Super League. In the first week, on August 9, Dewa lost 1-3 to Maluku United at the Banten International Stadium, Serang, Banten.