Persebaya crushes PSIS to move into semifinals
JAKARTA (JP): Semarang-based PSIS played lackadaisically in the fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) playoffs at the Senayan soccer stadium on Thursday, handing Persebaya Surabaya a 3-0 victory and a place atop the Group I standings.
In the day's Group II match, PSMS Medan neared a semifinal berth after playing to a scoreless draw against underdog PSM Ujungpandang.
PSIS defenders were unable to block skillful passing from Persebaya, allowing striker Musa Kallon to score in the 28th and 33rd minutes. Captain Aji Santoso provided the final goal in the first minute of the second half.
PSIS remains in second place and will likely meet Persija, who leads Group II, in the semifinal.
Persebaya coach Rusdy Bahalwan accused PSIS of not going all- out during the game.
"They saved their energy. Apparently they want to meet us in the final."
PSIS coach Edy Paryono immediately denied the accusation, stating: "That's an exaggeration!"
Rusdy said he sent out his core players to maintain the team's position as group leader. "I was serious about it," he said.
PSIS benched its top midfielders Tugiyo and Hadi Surento and defenders Wasis Purwoko and Nugroho Adyanto, fielding benchwarmers instead.
"We want to see our young player's skills," Edy said. He contended his team's defense cracked because it could not stand the constant pressure from Persebaya.
"We made many mistakes because the players lacked discipline and Persebaya players took advantage of our weaknesses," he said.
In the second match, PSM midfielder Aslan made a through pass and landed the ball a few centimeters behind the goal line in the eighth minute before goalkeeper Sahari Gultom dived to catch the ball.
It appeared on the ANteve live broadcast the ball passed the line before Sahari grabbed it and brought it back into the penalty area.
Unfortunately, referee Bambang Pamilih, positioned far from the goal mouth, disregarded the shot. He blew his whistle for Ansar to take the goal kick and continue the match.
"The referee's decision was fatal to us. The All Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) referees commission has to replace the referee," complained PSM coach M. Basri.
Basri also said that Bambang did not give a red card to PSMS striker Jean Michel Baboaken, who allegedly knocked down PSM captain Ronny Ririn in the 35th minute.
However, Basri said the club would not file an official protest with PSSI. "Our protest would be thrown into the trash can," he said bitterly.
Disappointed PSM players will have to return home, but PSMS must wait for the result of Friday's match between Group II leader Persija and Pupuk Kaltim to find out if it has a semifinal spot.
Pupuk Kaltim must win its last match by four goals to qualify for the semis.
PSMS took over the group runner-up position from Pelita Bakrie by earning six points. (ivy)
Results: Persebaya 3 PSIS Semarang 0 PSMS Medan 0 PSM Ujungpandang 0
Standing (playing, wins, draws, loses, points, average points):
Group I: Persebaya 4 3 1 0 9-3 10 PSIS 4 2 1 1 6-6 7 Semen Padang 3 0 3 0 4-4 3 Persikota 4 0 2 2 3-4 2 Petrokimia Putra 3 0 1 2 1-4 1
Group II: Persija 3 2 1 0 4-2 7 PSMS 4 1 3 0 3-2 6 Pelita Bakrie 4 1 2 1 4-2 5 Pupuk Kaltim 3 1 0 2 1-4 3 PSM 4 0 2 2 1-3 2