Defending champ PSM draws with Pusam 0-0

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion PSM Makassar unexpectedly was forced to a scoreless draw by host Putra Samarinda (Pusam) at the Mulawarman stadium in Bontang, East Kalimantan, Thursday in the eastern division of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league.

PSM had four golden chances in first 15 minutes of the first half but strikers Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Fouda Ntsama failed to finish them well.

Pusam was surprised by the PSM attack but after coach Hamdani Lubis replaced Adam Roy with Didit Thomas at the left wing, the team was able to develop a solid defense.

"We are really out of luck. The players had earned so many chances but none of them could kick a goal. I saw that the players were under pressure," PSM coach Syamsudin Umar was quoted by Antara as saying after the match.

Hamdani praised PSM's performance, but he also expressed delight over his team's success to create a draw.

"We have many weaknesses. We have to improve the team. I don't know why the players could not get free of the pressure," he said, adding that his players should have intensified attacks on PSM's side.

In Jakarta, Persija outclassed Semen Padang 2-0 in the western division qualifying round at Lebak Bulus stadium.

Persija's Antonio Claudio struck the first goal in the 23rd minute while teammate Budi Sudarsono extended the team's lead in the 35th minute.

The match was marred by a clash during halftime between Persija fans, known here as The Jak, and Semen Padang supporters at the stadium's eastern tribune. No injuries or damage were reported.

Security officers immediately localized the clash before it could spread. They moved Semen Padang supporters sitting among Persija fans to the western tribune. Because of this, halftime was extended 30 minutes.

Host Persikab tied 0-0 with PSDS Deli Serdang of North Sumatra at the Sangkuriang stadium in Cimahi, West Java.

Both teams only produced one chance for goal each in a dull match that saw Persikab unable to develop a strategy.

"We are very disappointed with the draw. Our players were under form," Persikab coach Januar Pribadi said. (ivy)