PSIS the underdog in Manado showdown<\/p>\n
By Ivy Susanti<\/p>\n
MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Defending champion Persebaya
\nSurabaya's coach Rusdy Bahalwan is fearful his players will be
\nlulled into overconfidence against dark horse PSIS Semarang in
\nthe fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) final on Friday.<\/p>\n
In contrast, PSIS coach Edy Paryono promises his team will do
\nits best to bring back the nostalgia of its last victory in 1987,
\nwhich also came with a final victory over Persebaya.<\/p>\n
Former national coach Rusdy said on Thursday his team's
\nsuccess in overpowering PSIS in two stages of the competition
\ncould lead to the players taking their opponents lightly.<\/p>\n
\"This attitude could be dangerous for their fighting spirit
\nand prevent us from developing our strategy during the match,\"
\nsaid Rusdy, known for his reserve.<\/p>\n
The match will be broadcast live from Klabat stadium by state-
\nowned television network TVRI and RRI radio network beginning at
\n5:15 p.m. local time (4:15 p.m. Jakarta time).<\/p>\n
Persebaya met PSIS in a Ligina qualifying round in November
\nwhich ended in a scoreless draw. In their second and third
\nmeetings, Persebaya won 2-0 and 3-0 respectively.<\/p>\n
\"I have asked them to play seriously and not underestimate
\nPSIS. Our opponent has something special that enabled it to enter
\nthe final. So we have to be careful about their strength,\" Rusdy
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He added Persebaya would devise a special strategy and not
\nrely solely on its players' excellent individual skills for the
\nfinal. He also told his players to score the first goal.<\/p>\n
\"We won't have our self-confidence if PSIS scores first. I
\ntold them to concentrate and play seriously to avoid it. They
\nmust have high motivation to win.\"<\/p>\n
Rusdy said PSIS possessed equal strength in all sectors,
\nincluding defenders Bonggo Pribadi, Agung Setiabudi and Wasis
\nPurwoko, strikers Hadi Surento and Tugiyo and captain and
\nmidfielder Ali Sunan, the inspiration for the team to break
\nthrough its rivals' defense.<\/p>\n
\"I haven't given them special instructions to guard each PSIS
\ndefender, but I asked them to keep a close watch on Ali and
\nTugiyo.\"<\/p>\n
PSIS is looking to bring home the President's Cup after a 12-
\nyear title drought.<\/p>\n
Edy said the loss to Persebaya in the quarterfinals was not
\nindicative of PSIS' form.<\/p>\n
\"The quarterfinal result did not reflect the real strength of
\nour team. We will play our best to win the final. Both teams have
\nequal chances to win,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Ali Sunan, winger Agung Setyabudi and goalkeeper I Komang
\nPutra also vowed to play all-out in the final.<\/p>\n
\"This is the final. I have to play hard to make PSIS the
\nchampion,\" said Agung, who will mark top midfielder Aji Santoso.<\/p>\n
Edy said his team was without a special strategy for the
\nfinal.<\/p>\n
\"Let's see how the match goes. We will find Persebaya's
\nslightest weakness and use it to achieve victory,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Originally scheduled for Senayan stadium in Jakarta last
\nSunday, the final was abruptly moved to North Sulawesi after
\nJakarta Police revoked the permit due to security concerns.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/psis-the-underdog-in-manado-showdown-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}