Saki Nishihara's Free-Kick Goal Saves Persija Women in IWL Opener

Persija Women began their campaign in the 2026/2027 Indonesia Women's League (IWL) with a 1-1 draw against FC Bekasi City Women at Stadion Madya, Jakarta, on Sunday (18/10/2026). Saki Nishihara's equalizing goal from a free kick was the main highlight of the match.

FC Bekasi City Women took the lead first in the 29th minute through Nao Tsukamoto's penalty. However, Persija responded quickly. Ten minutes later, Saki Nishihara capitalized on a set-piece situation to score a fine goal and level the score at 1-1. That scoreline held until the end of the match.

For Saki, the goal was an important moment in her debut with Macan Kemayoran in this season's competition. The defender was brought in by Persija with a strong international track record. Previously, she played for BGC-CAS Women in Thailand and helped the club win the 2026 Thai Women's League 1. Experience in the AFC Women's Champions League also adds extra value for Saki.

Saki's career has not been limited to Thailand. She has also played for Young Elephants FC (Laos), Sabah FC (Malaysia), and Avondale FC (Australia). At national team level, Saki made one appearance for Japan's senior team against Nigeria in 2013, and also represented various youth levels. This combination of experience is expected to make a significant contribution to Persija throughout the season.

"I am proud of her. Besides that, I am also reminded that I have to score goals to help my team, Persiba, win," said Takumu Nishihara, Saki's husband, as quoted from the I.League website.

Her husband's support is an additional factor for Saki. Takumu Nishihara, who plays as a striker for Persiba Balikpapan, said he was happy even though he could not watch his wife's match live because he was attending a team meeting. He saw the goal after the meeting ended and felt very proud. The two motivate each other as they pursue professional careers in Indonesian football.

The draw gives Persija Women one point. Although they have not yet won, the performance of Saki and her teammates sends a positive signal that Macan Kemayoran can compete in Indonesia's women's football competition. The next match will test the consistency of the coach's team.

The presence of quality foreign players like Saki Nishihara in the IWL indicates that Indonesia's women's league is attracting more attention. Experience playing in various countries and Asian inter-club competitions is expected to raise the standard of play, not only for Persija but also for national women's football as a whole.

The question is, can Saki and Persija Women bounce back and claim their first win in the next match? Indonesian football fans are certainly looking forward to the next performances from the player affectionately known as Saki.