Persib stuns Bangkok Bank

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian league champion Persib got off to a flying start in its the Asian Champion's Cup campaign by stunning host Bangkok Bank 2-0 in their first round first leg match in Bangkok on Saturday.

It took Persib just 10 minutes to go 1-0 up, with Kekey Zakaria netting a fine header. The second was scored by playmaker Yusuf Bachtiar five minutes after the break.

"Persib is a good team with a solid teamwork," Bangkok Bank team manager Subin Sinchai was quoted by Kompas as saying.

Playing in a heavily inundated pitch in front of around 3,000 Thai supporters, the Bandung-based team immediately directed its attacks at Bangkok Bank's core of defense.

Sutiono played an inspirational role in the first goal. The hard running striker, escaping from the close guard of defender Lersan Rak-on, did not waste any time to straightforwardly fed a pass to Yusuf who chipped the ball to the waiting Kekey.

The ball went into the left corner of the goal post, leaving goalie Wacharapong Somchit lose his foot.

"This is my first goal while playing abroad," said Kekey, who dedicated the goal to his two-month son.

Spearheaded by Ronnachai Sayomchai and Kanit Artcharayotin, Bangkok Bank tried to retaliate with a relentless attacks from the left and the right flanks. Even though Bangkok Bank was fortified by its three national booters, Wacharapong Somcit, Apichad Thaveechalermdit and Chercahi Suwanang, the attacks it built were left at bay.

Without elegant midfield Yudi Guntara, Persib renewed charges in the second half. The attacking football paid off.

Yusuf intercepted the ball from defender Amarit Eangvong. After transferring it to Sutiono, he ran toward Wacharapong's goal post. Sutiono sent the ball back to Yusuf who slammed a devastating kick that totally sealed Bangkok's fate.

Around 800 Persib supporters were set ablaze following the win, chanting a national song Halo-halo Bandung.

Persib will entertain the Thai league runner-up at the Siliwangi stadium in Bandung on Sept. 30. (arf)