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)