Dewa United FC made a strong statement in their 2026 preseason preparations with a composed 2-0 victory over Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar in an international club friendly on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

The Indonesian Liga 1 outfit controlled the tempo from the opening whistle and backed up their superiority with two clinical finishes. For Brisbane Roar, the match served as valuable minutes against a physically imposing Southeast Asian opponent, but the Queensland side will look to sharpen their attacking edge before the new campaign.

Match Overview

Played in warm conditions with the match kicking off at 16:30 local time, Dewa United looked sharp from the first phase. The home side dominated possession in midfield, pressing Brisbane high and forcing early turnovers. The Roar struggled to build sustained possession, often resorting to direct balls that were comfortably dealt with by the Dewa United backline.

The opening goal came after a patient build-up, as Dewa United worked the ball from left to right before a well-timed cross was converted at the near post. The second arrived shortly after the interval, when a swift counter-attack caught Brisbane's defensive line out of shape, allowing the home forward to slot calmly past the goalkeeper.

Key Moments

• First-half opener: Dewa United broke the deadlock with a decisive finish inside the box following a sharp cutback from the byline.
• Second-half insurance: A fast transitional move exposed Brisbane's high defensive line, and Dewa United doubled the lead with a composed one-on-one finish.
• Late Brisbane push: The Roar enjoyed a spell of pressure in the final 20 minutes but could not find a way past a well-organized home defence.

Tactical Story

Dewa United’s approach was built on compactness and quick vertical passing. Their midfield trio effectively cut off Brisbane’s passing lanes, forcing the A-League side into wide areas where crosses were dealt with confidently. In possession, the Indonesian club showed patience in the first half before shifting to a more direct style after taking the lead.

Brisbane Roar, meanwhile, showed glimpses of their own attacking identity, particularly through their full-backs pushing high in the final quarter. However, the lack of a clear-cut chance in the final third was a concern. The Roar attempted to play out from the back, but Dewa United’s aggressive pressing caused repeated errors.

Standout Performers

Dewa United’s defensive unit deserved particular praise, having limited Brisbane to speculative efforts from distance. Their central midfielder controlled the rhythm of the game and was influential in both goals, while the striker’s movement created consistent problems for the Roar back four.

For Brisbane Roar, the goalkeeper made two sharp saves to keep the scoreline respectable, and the young left winger looked lively whenever he received the ball in transition. However, the team will need more creativity in midfield to unlock stubborn defences once the competitive season begins.

Context and What It Means

For Dewa United, this result is a promising sign ahead of the continued Liga 1 season. Beating a well-known overseas opponent in a friendly adds confidence and demonstrates the club’s growing ambition on the international stage. For Brisbane Roar, the friendly offered valuable preparation against a different style of play, with the coaching staff likely to focus on defensive transitions and chance creation in the final third.

Ultimately, the scoreline reflected the balance of play: Dewa United were organised, efficient, and deserved winners, while Brisbane Roar will take the lessons learned into their upcoming fixtures.