Persija downs PSM 1-0

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): With only 10 players, Jakarta- based Persija humiliated host PSM before its own crowd with a 1-0 win at the second match of the Indonesian Soccer League's Eastern division quarterfinals at Mattoangin Stadium here on Thursday.

Both teams failed to net any goals in the first half despite several golden chances.

It looked like the end for Persija when Joko Puspito tackled PSM's Miro Baldo Bento in the 57th minute. Joko got a red card.

PSM increased its offensive, putting Persija on the defense. Persija, however, managed to capitalize a counterattack when Budi Sudarsono netted the ball in the 86th minute, securing Persija's berth in the semifinals.

In an earlier match, Persita of Tangerang regency, Banten crushed Malang, East Java-based Arema with a 4-1 victory, ousting Arema from its hope of cruising to the semifinals.

PSM and Persita will determine their chances in the last match on Sunday. Persita will challenge Persija while PSM is set to beat Arema. (27)