Persija Loses 3 Foreign Players Ahead of Malut United Match

Persija Jakarta faces a tough test ahead of their match against Malut United in the BRI Liga 1 week. The Kemayoran Tigers are confirmed to be without three foreign players at once. However, good news comes with the arrival of two new Brazilian players, Maxwell Souza and Bruno Tubarão, who are ready to lead the attack.

The absence of three foreign key players is certainly a big loss for Persija. One of them is Allano Lima, who has to sit out due to a red card received during the match against Persis Solo. Two other foreign players also cannot play due to non-technical factors, thus thinning Persija’s foreign player stock in this crucial match.

Losing three internationally-qualified players forces Persija to rethink their squad composition, especially in the attacking sector which has heavily relied on foreign player contributions.

According to a source from Berita Poskota Indonesia, Persija Jakarta must let go of Allano Lima, who has to be absent due to a red card after being involved in an incident with Persis Solo captain, Cleylton, in the final minutes of the match on Saturday, August 16, 2025. This penalty automatically makes the Brazilian winger unable to strengthen the Kemayoran Tigers in the next match.

Besides Allano, two other foreign players are also confirmed to be unavailable due to injury. Coach Mauricio Souza confirmed that Gustavo Almeida is still recovering from an ankle injury, while Ryo Matsumura has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury. This condition makes both doubtful to play against Malut United and are predicted to return in a few weeks.

Replacement Options: Local Players Ready to Fill Foreigner Void

As a solution, coach Mauricio Souza has prepared a combination of local players to cover the gaps. Names like Witan Sulaeman and Riko Simanjuntak have a big chance to start. Their presence is expected to maintain the intensity of wing play, even without full support from foreign players.

In addition, the inclusion of Maxwell Souza, who has been officially registered, and Bruno Tubarão, who has just arrived from Brazil, will immediately become important replacement options. Both players are projected to fill vital roles in the attacking line.

Maxwell Souza

known as a winger who possesses speed, aggressive dribbling, and the ability to create space on the left side of the attack. Before joining Persija, Maxwell played for several clubs in Brazil such as Chapecoense, CRB, and Remo, and also had a taste of the Swedish League with Kalmar FF. His experience playing at various levels is expected to help him quickly adapt to Persija’s playing style. In his debut match in the BRI Super League, Maxwell immediately contributed with a goal and became one of Mauricio Souza’s most relied-upon attackers. With Allano Lima’s absence, Maxwell’s role as the engine of the wing attack becomes even more vital.

Bruno Tubarão

Bruno is Persija’s newest recruit, joining after Maxwell. This player, who plays as a right winger, began his professional career with Cabofriense before gaining attention with Red Bull Bragantino. He was then loaned to Vasco da Gama, and most recently played for Ceará in the Brazilian Serie A competition. Known for his explosive speed, high stamina, and ability to penetrate the penalty box, Tubarão is considered suitable to complement Maxwell’s playing style on the opposite flank. His arrival was immediately praised by coach Mauricio Souza, who believes Tubarão can be a game-changer in Persija’s front line.

Coach and Observer Views: Persija Still Has Secret Weapons

Coach Mauricio Souza admitted that the absence of three foreign players is a challenge, but he still believes in the team’s strength.

“We lost some important players, but this is also an opportunity to give other players a chance to prove themselves. Maxwell has adapted well, while Bruno will soon integrate with the team. They can be game-changers,” said Souza.

National football observers also believe that the Maxwell–Tubarão duo has the potential to bring a new dimension to Persija’s game, especially with their typical fast Brazilian style that can break deadlocks.

As reported by Bola.com, Maxwell and Bruno were chosen as main replacements because they are both fit, experienced, and have complementary playing styles. Maxwell on the left offers creativity and final execution, while Bruno on the right contributes speed and penetration. The combination of the two is expected to cover for the absence of Allano, Gustavo, and Matsumura, while maintaining the Kemayoran Tigers’ ambitions when challenging Malut United.