Persija Jakarta Creates Derby Magic: Mamut Scores Late Winner, Shin Tae-yong's Perfect Start

Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (SUGBK) trembled on the night of September 12, 2026. Ivan Mamut, the 1.92m tall Croatian striker, became Persija Jakarta's hero when he scored the decisive winning goal in the 90+4 minute, helping the home team defeat Persib Bandung 2-1 in the match dubbed "El Clasico Indonesia". This victory not only brought three valuable points but also ended Persija's eight-match winless streak against their city rivals. On September 8, Mamut officially signed with Persija. Just four days later, he was entrusted by coach Shin Tae-yong to start in the biggest derby in Indonesia. This bold decision was duly rewarded when the 28-year-old forward shone brightly in his debut. "I answered the coaching staff's trust in the best way possible," Mamut shared after the match. "This was a special match and I was lucky to score an important goal." A modest statement but one that hides the confidence of a player who was given an opportunity and proved his worth. Statistics show this was Persija's second consecutive win in Super League 2026/2027, both coming in stoppage time. In the opening match against Borneo, Alexander Jeremejeff also scored a late winner in the 90+ minute. Both victories came from foreign forwards, indicating that the tactical approach Shin Tae-yong is building at Persija tends to focus on direct attacks and aerial play in the final minutes. With 6 points after 2 rounds, Persija currently tops the Super League 2026/2027 standings. However, analysts warn that the current sample size is too small to conclude about the team's true strength. Statistical models predict that Persija will struggle to maintain their late-goal scoring pace throughout the long season. Shin Tae-yong, former head coach of the Indonesian national team, officially took charge of Persija at the start of the season. A perfect start with 2 wins, including a prestigious victory over Persib, has earned the South Korean coach the nickname "Magic Shin" (sihir Shin) from local media. The head coach's style is famous for absolute control over squad and tactics, proven through his success at the national team level. The head-to-head record between Persija and Persib over the past 3 years heavily favored Persib with 6 wins and 2 draws in their last 8 encounters. The September 12 victory not only broke the winless streak but also carried enormous psychological significance for Persija fans, the Jak Mania supporter group who had waited for this moment for 3 years. However, analysts also point out several notable concerns. No detailed data on xG, xGA, PPDA, or possession rate was disclosed, making it difficult to assess Persija's actual playing style. The "winning through late goals" model could be a sign of superior physical conditioning or simply over-reliance on set pieces and aerial play. The injury risk for both foreign forwards is also worth monitoring. Jeremejeff and Mamut have both scored decisive goals in the first 2 matches; if one of them gets injured, Persija will face a significant quality shortage in the striker position. The current squad depth remains untested in important matches. Financially, the Indonesian football market lacks the FFP or PSR framework seen in European leagues. This means Persija's financial risk depends entirely on the owners' willingness to invest. Mamut's transfer fee was not disclosed, but signing and fielding him within 4 days suggests a well-planned operation rather than a hasty purchase. The Indonesian Super League rules allow a maximum of 5-6 registered foreign players and 3-4 foreign players on the pitch in each match. Mamut's immediate inclusion in the starting lineup means Persija has used one foreign slot, creating pressure to balance the squad for future transfers. Persib Bandung, after this painful defeat, faces significant public pressure from Bobotoh fans. Losing the derby after 3 years of dominance could lead to personnel or tactical changes in the near future. With an 8-match unbeaten record against Persija, Persib has enough quality to seek revenge in future encounters. Persija's season prospects remain positive but need careful monitoring. The "new manager bounce" effect typically has a lifespan of 6-10 matches, after which pressure and expectations increase significantly. If Persija wants to compete for the Super League 2026/2027 title, the team needs to develop the ability to score earlier rather than relying on stoppage-time goals. The lesson from this derby shows the importance of trusting and giving opportunities to new players. Shin Tae-yong's decision to start Mamut just 4 days after signing can be seen as a successful gamble. However, the road ahead is very long and Persija needs to prove that this victory is not just the result of isolated individual moments but the fruit of sustainable playing style.