Defending champ PSM draws with Pusam 0-0
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)