Jakarta settles for 3rd place in Coke Cup

SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Sofyan scored twice within a two- minute spell in the second half as Jakarta came back superbly from one goal down to beat North Sumatra 2-1 to take third place in the 11th Haornas/Coke Cup Under-16 soccer championship here yesterday.

Trailing 1-0 after an Endar Murtopo 8th minute goal, last year's winner Jakarta pulled level thanks to goal-machine Sofyan, who caught everybody's attention with his exceptional ball- dribbling skills.

The 15-year-old forward hit the equalizer in the 42nd minute after beating North Sumatra's goalkeeper Syafrudin from close range at the end of a magnificent solo run. Two minutes later, Sofyan struck the winner with a curling free-kick, from two meters outside the box.

The two goals put Sofyan on top of the goal scorers list with seven. His closest rival for the top scorer's Rp 250,000 (US$107) cash prize is Bambang Pamungkas of Central Java, who needs to find the net four times in today's final against Jambi to overhaul the Jakartan.

In a spirited match pitting the two pre-tournament favorites, the goal-starved Jakartans emerged the dominant side. Lack of composure, however, denied them an expected goal spree. Sofyan missed the best chance two minutes from time when his angled drive was met with a brave tip-over from Syafrudin.

"We battled it out without any qualms and matched them well in what was a slugfest," Jakarta coach Efendi said.

For coming third Jakarta take home Rp 1 million in prize money.

Meanwhile, surprising finalist Jambi opted a low profile heading for today's match for the President's Cup trophy against home favorite Central Java.

"We have already anticipated a defeat, but it will not happen if we manage to keep up with Central Java's pace," coach A. Nizar said yesterday. Debutant Jambi beat previously unbeaten Jakarta 1-0 in Thursday's semifinal, while Central Java upset the 1991 champion North Sumatra 2-1.

The Central Javan coach Budi Winarko said he would not change his winning side, which relies heavily on the partnership of Supriyono and Bambang up front. (har/amd)