Persija beats Persib 1-0 in Mandiri's first round
JAKARTA (JP): Persija outplayed host Persib 1-0 in the first qualifying round of the Bank Mandiri soccer league at Siliwangi Stadium in Bandung on Sunday which was marked by unruly behavior from both teams supporters.
Persib defender Nana Priatna scored an own goal when he was trying to deflect a pass from Persija's veteran striker Widodo C. Putro in the 36th minute at the Siliwangi Stadium.
Persib coach Indra Tohir said both teams underperformed but Persija could have developed its offensive strategy.
"Our anxiety proved itself here. Our players were not fully prepared to deal with the pressure and we were too influenced by our rival's play," he said as quoted by Antara.
Persija's coach Sofyan Hadi shared Indra's opinion. "Frankly, we didn't perform well because the field was very slippery. We missed many golden chances."
Persib supporters threw mineral water bottles and firecrackers onto the field after the match. Many of them broke through barriers onto the field to attack Persija players but security officials quickly escorted the players to a safer place.
Supporters also marched along streets and yelled denouncing Persib's defeat. They destroyed flower pots and threw stones at shops and offices along Jl. Asia Afrika.
Police finally dispersed the crowd and the situation grew calm at about 7:30 p.m.
Persib supporters also smashed at least 12 irongates in front of the ticketbox after tickets ran out.
Earlier, Persija supporters who called themselves 'The Jak' also turned violent and vandalised three cars in the stadium's parking lot. They were banned from attending the match because they didn't have tickets.
In Makassar, South Sulawesi, defending champion and host PSM thrashed visitors Petrokimia Putra of Gresik, East Java, 3-1 at the Mattoangin Stadium.
Abdul Rozak of Petrokimia scored an own goal eight minutes into the first half time after misreading a cross from Yusrifar Djafar.
PSM top striker Kurniawan Dwi Julianto equalized in the 35th minute while compatriot Fouda Ntasama extended PSM's lead in the 77th minute. M. Jainal Ichwan made a consolation goal for Petro in a penalty shootout in the 53th minute.
However, the result didn't satisfy PSM head coach Syamsuddin Umar and technical coach Henk Wullems.
"I'm furious with all our players' performances. Except for Kurniawan, all of them performed poorly," Wullems told The Jakarta Post after the match.
Syamsuddin expressed concern to the players. He said they weren't motivated and couldn't adequately cover the field.
"I'm very concerned. This kind of weakness endangers the credibility of our team, which is more skillful than Petro."
In Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Barito Putra received kudos and gifts from fans after it crushed visitor Persijap of Jepara, Central Java 4-1 at 17 Mei Stadium.
Cameron national Bakko Sadissou contributed two goals in the 18th and 82th minute. Compatriot Bambang Harsoyo also earned two goals in the 50th and 68th minute while Gunawan scored Persija's only goal in the 65th minute.
After the match, local businessman like Johanes Handoko and H. Fachruddin spontaneously rewarded the home team after their brilliant performance. Antara reported that Barito Putra team received a Rp 5 million cash bonus from Johanes and an extra Rp 1 million for a goal from Fachruddin. (27/ivy)