Persebaya beats Persema in Bank Mandiri league
JAKARTA (JP): Favorite Persebaya Surabaya overcame Persema Malang 1-0 on Wednesday at the 10 Nopember stadium in Surabaya during the first leg of the eastern division of the Bank Mandiri soccer league.
Striker Rahel produced Persebaya's sole goal in the 42th minute thanks to a feed from Ronald Pieterz from the midfield. Persema intensified its attack but the players failed to break through Persebaya's solid defense until referee Budiono blew the final whistle.
Budiono gave five yellow cards for three Persebaya players -- Jesus de Santos, Hartono and Agung Setyabudi -- and two Persema players -- Chusnul Yuli and Siswationo -- for harsh play.
Persebaya's coach Rudy W. Keltjes said he was not satisfied with the team's for which was less solid in teamwork.
"There is a progress but I'm not satisfied with my boys' performances. I will try to improve it," said the former assistant coach in the national team for the Asian Cup.
Persema's coach Rohanda said his players were too tense in the first half.
"Persebaya suits as the winner. Its players excel in all the position. Unfortunately, my players did not brave enough to confront the team so they only received pressure," he said.
In Gresik, East Java, host Petrokimia Gresik (Petrogres) was outclassed 0-1 by visitor Barito Putra of South Kalimantan.
Following the loss, Petrogres fans immediately asked the club's coach Risdianto to quit. They waited the players outside the Tridharma stadium and yelled at Risdianto expressing their disappointment.
Petro's manager Imam Supardi said the club could not immediately fire Risdianto due to the defeat but the management would review the coach's performance after observing the next home match.
In Malang, East Java, Arema failed to take revenge over Pelita Solo and only forced to tie 1-1 at Gajayana stadium.
Pelita led first in the eighth minute through Indrianto Nugroho's goal but Arema's Ahmad Junaidi successfully executed the free kick in the 38th minute. Referee I.K. Hari Darjaya awarded the free kick after Pelita's midfielder Matheno was caught with hand ball, Antara reported.
In Sleman, Yogyakarta, host PSS Sleman blanked Gelora 2-1 at Tridadi stadium here on Wednesday.
Striker Muhammad Iksan earned the first goal in a penalty shootout in the 33th minute. Iksan got the penalty after Gelora midfielder Kadek Sutiana floored Slamet Riyadi in the penalty box.
The first goal for the host lessened Gelora's fighting spirit. Another PSS striker Budiono made use of the situation and extended his club's lead in the 41th minute.
It was the second victory for PSS after defeating Pelita Solo 2-1 on Jan. 14. PSS, which was just promoted to the main division this year, managed to escape defeat with a 0-0 tie with Persijap Jepara, also a newcomer in this year's league.
For Gelora, Wednesday's poor result was the first defeat after playing three matches. Gelora tied with Persebaya and Petrokimia at home.
Gelora's coach Freddy Muli admitted that PSS performed better than his team. "Strikers Slamet Riyadi, Gatot Ismawan or Iksan are very skillful, and they easily broke into our defense."
About 15,000 PSS supporters who called themselves 'Slemania' convoyed along some Yogyakarta's main road such as Jl. Magelang and Jl. Malioboro, creating a traffic jam in the city. (44/ivy)