PSS Sleman Dominates PSGC Ciamis in I.League Cup Opener

PSS Sleman opened their I.League Cup 2026/2027 campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over PSGC Ciamis at Maguwoharjo Stadium on Wednesday. The match, which served as the opening fixture for Group F, showcased a dominant performance from the home side, who currently sit at the top of the group standings with three points.

The match began with PSS Sleman taking control of the midfield, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute through a strike by Gustavo Tocantins. The momentum shifted significantly in favor of the hosts during stoppage time of the first half when PSGC Ciamis defender Muhammad Fikram was issued a straight red card for a serious foul. Tocantins capitalized on the resulting penalty kick in the 45th minute, extending the lead to 2-0 before the halftime whistle.

Following the break, PSS Sleman utilized their numerical advantage to dictate the pace of the game. Striker Dimas Drajad increased the lead with back-to-back goals in the 48th and 54th minutes, effectively putting the match out of reach for the visitors. The relentless pressure from the PSS attack continued throughout the second half, with the team maintaining the dominant philosophy emphasized by head coach Pieter Huistra.

Gustavo Tocantins completed his impressive performance by converting a second penalty in the 73rd minute and adding a final goal in the 90th minute to secure a quattrick. This comprehensive result leaves PSGC Ciamis at the bottom of Group F, while PSS Sleman looks toward their upcoming fixtures with renewed confidence after a difficult start to their domestic league season.

Prior to the match, coach Pieter Huistra had expressed his intention to utilize the I.League Cup as an opportunity to rotate his squad and provide playing time to those who had seen limited action in the BRI Super League. The starting lineup featured key players such as captain Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan and Riko Simanjuntak, while PSGC Ciamis, led by head coach Herry Kiswanto, opted to keep experienced players like Ezechiel Ndouasel on the bench for the start of the contest.

The I.League Cup has been welcomed by players and staff as a vital addition to the calendar, providing teams with extra competitive fixtures. Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan noted that the tournament serves as a positive development for the league, allowing for squad development and ensuring that players remain match-fit throughout the season. For PSS Sleman, the victory serves as a significant morale boost as they prepare for their next league encounter against Bhayangkara Lampung FC.