PSIM, Persebaya ousted in Hamengkubuwono Cup

PSIM, Persebaya ousted in Hamengkubuwono Cup

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Defending soccer champion PSIM Yogyakarta
swallowed a bitter pill when it lost to Indocement Cirebon 0-2 in
the semifinals of the Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX Cup at Mandala
Krida Stadium on Saturday.

Indocement striker Eli Ibo took advantage of a corner kick by
heading the ball, which PSIM goalkeeper Edi Rosadi failed to
stop, to lead 1-0 in the 61st minute.

Six minutes later, Indocement striker Tibidi Alexis of Cameron
kicked the ball straight into the PSIM goal to score 2-0.

Local fans, who hated to see their favorite team do so poorly
against the visitors, threw mineral water bottles at Indocement
players.

In another semifinal, Gelora Dewata upset favorite Persebaya
Surabaya 2-1 in a sudden death goal.

Both teams played aggressively in the first half. Persebaya
striker Fachrul Rozi scored 1-0 in the 13th minute before Gelora
striker Komang Adnyana managed to draw 1-1 in the 23rd minute.

The score remained the same until added-on time where Gelora
managed to take advantage of Persebaya defenders' careless
playing.

One of Persebaya defenders was trying to pass the ball to his
goalkeeper when Misnadi Amrizal of Gelora kicked the ball hard
into the goal to claim the final ticket.

Referee Sumarjono issued a red card to Gelora's Wayan
Sukadana, whose hand touched the ball when he was heading the
ball in the penalty area.

Gelora's coach, Freddy Muli, said: "This victory means a lot
to us, but we also had fortune on our side."

Persebaya coach Riyono Asnan said: "It's Gelora's luck but I
am not satisfied with the referee. I think he threw his weight
behind one side during the match."

Indocement will face Gelora in Sunday's match. (44)