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rema Malang and Sriwijaya football clubs will face each other in Sunday’s Indonesian Cup final
in Surakarta, Central Java, with both teams gunning for a historic third victory.

Sriwijaya has won the cup, formerly known as the Copa Indonesia, the last two years.

Sriwijaya’s head coach Rahmad Darmawan, who will leave the club at the end of the season, said winning three consecutive titles would be a feat that would likely not be matched for a long time.

Rahmad, who will be replaced by former national head coach Ivan Kolev of Burgaria next season, said league champions Arema would be difficult opponents.

“I expect victory, but to be fair I think the two teams have an equal chance of winning. It’ll come down to small details on the field and sometimes luck too. I don’t think that either Sriwijaya or Arema will let this great opportunity slip away easily,” Rahmad said in Palembang, adding that the team that won would be worthy champions.

“What’s important is for the players to be able to play freely and to enjoy the game. Such conditions usually bring the best out of my players,” he said, adding that his whole squad was mentally and physically ready for the match.

In the last eight matches between the two teams, Sriwijaya has won three times and lost twice.

The winners of the final will secure a qualification place for the Asian Champion League.