Persebaya through to soccer league semifinal

Persebaya through to soccer league semifinal

JAKARTA (JP): Persebaya Surabaya earned itself a semifinal
berth on Sunday, earning seven points to top Group 1 after
defeating Persikota Tangerang in the Indonesian Soccer League
(Ligina) playoffs at Senayan sports stadium.

Persikota and Pelita Bakrie, which played to a scoreless draw
with PSMS Medan in the first match of Group II on Sunday,
narrowed their chances to top the group lists. Persikota and
Pelita earned one and two points respectively.

Persikota striker Komang Mariawan converted the first goal in
the 20th minute after putting Persebaya players under unrelenting
pressure as they fought under a downpour.

Persebaya striker Eri Irianto countered in the 37th minute
through a free kick.

In front of about 30,000 fervent supporters who have acquired
the dubious nickname bonek for their activities, Persebaya earned
the winning goal in the 42nd minute when defender Yoseph Lewono
drove the ball out of reach of Komang and into the penalty box.

"We are very grateful because we won this game, although our
heart was pounding from anxiety," said the team's coach Rusdy
Bahalwan. "We were bombarded by Persikota's attacks but luckily
we had a good defense. Persikota performs so well that we had to
earn the goal through a long shot."

Rusdy said his players were forced to use any opportunities
for long shots from outside the penalty area because it was the
best strategy, particularly on the slippery surface.

Persikota's coach Sultan Harhara said he was proud of his
team's performance despite their elimination from semifinal
contention.

"We already knew that Persebaya's strong point was its long
shooting. All the players were involved in a heated argument
after Persebaya's first goal and this caused them to lose their
cohesiveness. As a result, we failed to block Yoseph and
Persebaya got its second goal."

Persebaya and Persikota each have one more match to play.
Persebaya will face PSIS Semarang on Thursday and Persikota will
meet Petrokimia Putra on Wednesday.

In Group II, Pelita was unable to tame the strength of PSMS
and could not capitalize on its opportunities.

"This game determined our fate. We had to win to enter the
semifinal. Our players have done their best but could not compete
with the PSMS players. That's all we could do," said Pelita's
coach Danurwindo.

He said his players lost control in the first half because
they were under intense pressure, a fact acknowledged later by
captain Bima Sakti.

PSMS manager Isman Nuriadi said both teams performed well
under the circumstances.

"Our players had never set foot in Senayan stadium. We are
glad that we could compete with a team as famous as Pelita.
Although both teams played tough, they maintained their
sportsmanship," he said.

PSMS has five points from one win and two draws from three
games.

He said they would have to win their last match against PSM
Ujungpandang on Thursday for a ticket to the semifinal.

Monday is a rest day for the teams. Tuesday's matches will pit
PSIS Semarang against Semen Padang and PSM against Persija. (ivy)

Results:
Pelita Bakrie 0 PSMS Medan 0
Persikota Tangerang 1 Persebaya Surabaya 2