Persija downs PSM 1-0

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)