Garudayaksa FC Hit PSS Sleman for Three, Andik Vermansah Returns from Injury

Garudayaksa FC bounced back from a painful defeat to Persib Bandung by thrashing PSS Sleman 3-1 in the eighth week of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League at Pakansari Stadium, Cibinong, West Java, on Sunday (1/11/2026) night WIB. The win not only put the team back on the winning track but also marked the comeback of veteran midfielder Andik Vermansah after two weeks out with an injury.

Rubio was the star with two goals in the 11th and 76th minutes, while Jayro Jean added one in the 18th. For Garudayaksa, this was their second home win in their last three matches after previously beating Arema FC. The only blemish was the 1-2 loss to Persib in front of their own supporters.

The win over PSS Sleman felt special because, for the first time in eight matches this season, Garudayaksa managed to score first. Previously, the team nicknamed Spirit of Garuda had always conceded first, a pattern that often cost them points.

Andik Vermansah, who came on for Christian Frydek in the 81st minute, said he was grateful for the result. According to him, scoring first was the key factor that set this match apart from previous ones. "We are very grateful to win because we could score first. Usually in the previous seven matches we always conceded first," he said after the match.

The 34-year-old also stressed that the win was valuable capital for the next match. He thanked his teammates and coach Milos Joksic, who kept faith in him despite his recent recovery from injury. "I came back after a two-week injury and was still trusted with the number 10 shirt, I am very happy," he added.

"This win makes us more confident going forward. I thank my teammates and the coach who keep supporting me." — Andik Vermansah

For Andik, the match against PSS was his fourth appearance in the eight matches Garudayaksa have played since their promotion to the top flight. A special moment came in the third week when he was trusted to start and captain the side against Persebaya Surabaya, the club that made his name. That match ended 1-1.

The win is also a positive signal for Garudayaksa's attack, which had been blunt. With the extra three points, Milos Joksic's side keep their hopes alive of competing at the top of the table. Meanwhile, PSS Sleman must regroup quickly after another away defeat.

Going forward, consistency is the main task for Garudayaksa. Can Spirit of Garuda maintain their momentum and step out of the shadow of inconsistency? The answer will become clear in the coming weeks.