Indonesia. El Tari Memorial Cup
The El Tari Memorial Cup is a prestigious football tournament in Indonesia honoring legendary coach Ahmad El Tari, a pioneer of Indonesian football. It brings together top domestic clubs and occasional regional guests, delivering thrilling matches full of passion and skill. The event celebrates Indonesia's football heritage, characterized by swift counterattacks and technical prowess.
History and foundation
Established in the 1960s to commemorate Ahmad El Tari, the inaugural edition in 1963 took place in Jakarta, with Persija Jakarta triumphing led by forward Risdi Maxwell. The 1970s saw stars like Ronaldo Kwolu shine, while the 1990s brought challenges from political unrest, followed by a revival in the 2000s. The 2015 final remains iconic, as Persija crushed Bali United 4-1, with Bambang Pamungkas unleashing a goal-scoring masterclass.
Tournament format
Played in a single-elimination format, 16 teams enter from the round of 16, with knockout matches featuring extra time and penalties if needed. Held in December across Jakarta and Bandung stadiums, semifinals and the final grace the 77,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Recent editions introduced a group stage for elite clubs to enhance excitement.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match stand at 2.8, peaking at 3.5 in the 1980s due to expansive play. All-time top scorer is Bambang Pamungkas with 24 goals in 15 games. Standout players include Risdi Maxwell (18 goals in early tournaments), dribbling wizard Effendi Abubakar, and modern stars like Evan Dimas and Marco Tupay, whose cup exploits drew European scouts. It's a breeding ground for the national team.