JAKARTA, Indonesia (Interstat) — Persitara Jakarta Utara opened its Liga 1 season with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over PSM on Friday, defying a pregame projection that had forecast a draw.

In a match that grew increasingly tense and physical, the home side rallied at Stadion Internasional Jakarta after conceding an early goal, securing three points to start the domestic campaign.

The visitors from Makassar struck first against the run of play in the 31st minute. Forward Alaeddine Ajaraie, a key offseason acquisition for PSM, found the net to give his team an early advantage. The lead was short-lived, however, as Persitara responded just six minutes later. Substitute Šeriddin Boboev, who had entered the match earlier than planned due to an injury, leveled the score in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home his first goal for the club.

The first half concluded with the teams level at 1-1, but not before a flurry of yellow cards disrupted the flow. Persitara’s Rizky Eka Pratama was booked in the 41st minute, followed by PSM’s Gledson in the 45th, setting a combative tone that would continue after the break.

Persitara secured the decisive goal in the 67th minute. The buildup came from another impactful substitute, as Aloísio Neto provided the assist for forward Maxwell, who finished calmly to put the hosts ahead for the first time. The goal completed the turnaround after Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 final score and gave Persitara the victory its 62.8 percent pregame win probability had suggested.

The match’s physical intensity was reflected in the disciplinary record, with five yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Following the go-ahead goal, PSM’s frustrations mounted, resulting in bookings for midfielder Allano in the 63rd minute and Van Basty Sousa in the 88th minute. Persitara’s Aloísio Neto also received a caution in the 60th minute.

The result gives Persitara Jakarta Utara an immediate boost in the early Liga 1 table, starting the season with a win and no losses. For PSM, the defeat marks a disappointing start as they seek their first points. The match underscored the potential impact of squad depth, with substitutes contributing directly to both of Persitara’s goals through scoring and assists, ultimately proving the difference in a tightly contested opener.