Persija wins at home

JAKARTA (JP): Persija Jakarta took over the lead of the western division of the Bank Mandiri soccer league from PSMS Medan, North Sumatra, with a 3-1 victory over Persita Tangerang at Lebakbulus Stadium in South Jakarta on Thursday.

Persija and PSMS both have 43 points, but Persija has the advantage in goal average, Antara reported.

Brazilian playmaker Luciano Leandro opened the scoring for the home team in the 11th minute. Persita striker Ilham Jayakesuma then scored an equalizer one minute before the end of the first half.

Persija striker Budi Sudarsono sealed his team's victory with goals in the 50th and 60th minutes.

In Tangerang, host Persikota of Tangerang mayoralty beat Persikabo of Bogor regency 2-1 in another western division match at Benteng Stadium.

In Bandung, West Java, in a battle of two Bandung teams, Persib overcame Persikab 1-0 at Sangkuriang Stadium. (ivy)