Persipura beats Petro Kimia

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Persipura Jayapura defeated on Thursday Petro Kimia Gresik of East Java 4-1 in the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) at the Mandala stadium.

Playing before the 3,000-strong home crowd, Persipura's Andi Kopouw scored two goals, while senior player Ronny Wabia and Chris Leo Yarangga produced one goal each. Petro's Hadi Surento scored his team's one and only goal.

It was Persipura's second victory, after it had earlier complained of fund shortages ahead of the Ligina meet. The team defeated on Sunday Arema Malang, also of East Java, 2-1.

Persipura coach Rudy Keltjes told The Jakarta Post that his players had made every effort to win the game despite their poor performance.

"They will perform better next time," he said.

Peripura spokesman Willem Yobi told the Post after the match that the home play advantage boosted his team's chances.

"The spectators at the Mandala stadium were on our side. The game was performed at our home base, so Persipura deserved to win," Yobi said. (eba)