PSIS upsets Persebaya to claim Ligina title
By Ivy Susanti
MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Underdog PSIS Semarang unexpectedly upset defending champion Persebaya Surabaya 1-0 in the thrilling final of the fifth Indonesia Soccer League (Ligina) at Klabat stadium on Friday.
PSIS's top striker Tugiyo was the team's hero when he passed through several Persebaya defenders after receiving a pass from captain Ali Sunan, kicking the only goal just one minute before referee Djadjat Sudrajad blew his whistle to end the match.
"I tried my best to make the goal. I wanted to defeat Persebaya. We have lost two times to the team and we didn't want it to happen here," said Tugiyo, 22, who was born in Purwodadi, Central Java.
"I dedicate this goal to my mother Djani and father Arno and all Semarang citizens."
Semarang Mayor, Soetrisno Suharto, who witnessed the match, rushed onto the field as the game ended, hugging PSIS team manager Sudarmanto, team officials and players as drummer Jelly Tobing sang Queen's We Are The Champions.
"I thank all the players who have given me a nice present at the end of my term as mayor. PSIS was a dark horse and God gave us the victory," said Soetrisno, who is also a PSIS patron, adding that he would resign from office in January, 2000.
Soetrisno said Central Java Governor Mardiyanto, had promised to give team bonuses but declined to specify the form of the bonus. He also said the Central Java administration would try to find a job for Tugiyo when he and his team returned to Semarang.
PSIS performed all out before 30,000 soccer fans and maintained pressure on Persebaya who failed to play offensively, the team's main characteristic. Both teams intensified their defenses and the first half ended scoreless.
"Our players had a big motivation to win. But in the last minutes, their spirit and stamina declined. Luckily, Persebaya players were tense and failed to improvise. We managed to take advantage of the situation," said PSIS coach, Edy Paryono, who burst into tears.
Persebaya coach Rusdy Bahalwan complimented the form of the winning team, saying that he would not seek to scapegoat his own players for the loss.
"I instructed my players to play more offensively in the second half. The last ten minutes were critical, but PSIS surprisingly scored the goal.
"Our players played under pressure, including midfielder Uston Nawawi who failed to perform to the best of his ability."
PSIS received Rp 75 million (US$8,620) prize money from State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono, while runner- up Persebaya pocketed Rp 50 million from All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) chairman Agum Gumelar.
PSIS will compete in the Asia Champion Cup and Persebaya will play in the Asia Winners Cup. Both will commence in July.
PSIS captain Ali Sunan was named best player and bagged Rp 25 million from PSSI.
PSDS Deli Serdang striker Alain Mambenda of Cameron was named top scorer with 11 goals. While Semen Padang, whose players were not issued any yellow or red cards, was announced fairest team.
Agum welcomed the sportsmanship of the playoffs and expressed hope that the attitude would improve Indonesia's soccer development.
"A competition means nothing without sportsmanship. I'm proud that the final ran smoothly and safely. I thank the Manadonese for their contribution, which made the final happen," he said.