Indonesian football fans showcased their unity in the stands of Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium as supporters from various clubs rallied behind Madura United in their 2024/25 AFC Challenge League quarterfinal first leg. The Laskar Sapeh Kerrab battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against hosts Tainan City.
Comprising migrant workers from Kaohsiung and its surrounding regions, these fans proudly displayed banners representing their clubs while uniting in chants to support Madura United and Indonesia throughout the match.
Among the clubs whose supporters rallied behind Madura United were Persija Jakarta, Persib Bandung, Persebaya Surabaya—Madura United’s local rivals—Arema FC, Persijap Jepara, and PSCS Cilacap.
In a rare show of solidarity, fans from rival clubs set aside their differences to rally behind Madura United, Indonesia’s sole representative in the AFC Challenge League.
The match ended in a hard-fought stalemate, with Tainan City goalkeeper Pan Wen-chieh and Madura United’s Miswar Saputra delivering crucial saves as both teams battled relentlessly throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite their struggles in Liga 1 Indonesia, Madura United showed resilience, adapting to Kaohsiung Nanzih’s tight pitch and cold conditions to keep the tie finely balanced. This sets up a high-stakes, winner-takes-all second leg in Indonesia next week.
With both the Gelora Ratu Pamelingan Stadium in Pamekasan and the Gelora Bangkalan Stadium in Bangkalan failing to meet AFC standards—and Persebaya’s Gelora Bung Tomo unavailable—Madura United will host Tainan City at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, just across the Suramadu Bridge. The Laskar Sapeh Kerrab’s passionate supporters are expected to fill the stands, creating a fiery atmosphere for the decisive clash.
Madura United General Director Annisa Zhafarina expressed her gratitude for the unity displayed by Indonesian supporters in the stands at Kaohsiung Nanzih Stadium.
“Incredible—we are both proud and deeply moved. The unwavering support from Indonesians in Taiwan filled nearly half of the VIP stands at Kaohsiung Stadium. Though they wore jerseys and attributes representing their respective clubs, they chanted in unison, creating a powerful atmosphere. Even Indonesia Pusaka echoed throughout the stadium,” said Annisa, as quoted from beritajatim.com.
“A heartfelt thank you to Persebaya Surabaya, Persib Bandung, Persija Jakarta, Arema FC, PSCS Cilacap, Persijap Jepara, and all Indonesian supporters who came tonight. These are truly dedicated fans, and the hardworking individuals who joined in didn’t see club rivalries—only one name, Indonesia. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika—unity in diversity, standing together for a shared purpose,” Annisa continued.