Persebaya crushes PSIS to move into semifinals
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