PSM beats Persebaya in Bank Mandiri league

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Defending champion PSM Makassar managed to fulfill its ambition to defeat arch-rival Persebaya Surabaya 1-0 in the seventh Bank Mandiri soccer league at the Mattoangin Stadium in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Sunday.

PSM's sole goal was clinched by Cameron striker Fouda Ntsama in the 55th minute of the match played in heavy downpour.

The match went on fast and hard as referee Hakimuddin Ibrahim had to issue three yellow cards to Jacksen F. Tiago and Chairil Anwar from Persebaya and Yosef Lewono of PSM.

In the first 10 minutes, the match went at a fast tempo and both teams managed to play offensively. Persebaya's Tiago lost several chances to score for his team.

After the heavy rain, both teams skills weakened and most of the players had problems in handling the ball.

The some 20,000 spectators were unable to hide their disappointment over the dull game and booed at the referee who, at times, tolerated hard tackling.

In Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, host Barito Putera beat Pelita Solo of Central Java 1-0 at the 17 Mei Stadium.

Barito captain Bambang Harsoyo produced the sole goal in the 60th minute and was cheered by about 15,000 spectators during heavy downpour.

Barito, supported by strikers Bakko Sadissou and Steven Weah, forced Pelita's defenders Tri Pujianto and Aples Tecuari to work hard to sweep Barito's defense.

The host players had several good chances thanks to their offensive play but unfortunately Sadissou always failed to achieve a goal.

Pelita's goalkeeper, Listianto Raharjo, performed outstandingly and managed to block strikes from both Sadissou and Weah.

In contrast, Pelita only relied on striker Seto Nurdiantoro and Indrianto to launch counter attacks.

Referee Arif Bulqani gave three yellow cards for Pelita's Eko Pujianto and Mathius and Barito's Amir Yusuf Pohan.

In Malang, East Java, host Persema Malang eliminated PSS Sleman of Yogyakarta 1-0 at the Gajayana Stadium.

Both teams played quite dully but Persema's striker Michel Bobuaken sealed his team's victory only one minute before the final whistle after receiving a feed from midfielder Kusnul Yuli.

Several Persema players argued with referee Suhemi in the match watched by 7,000 spectators after their captain was called off-side. Local fans, disappointed with the call, threw objects at linesman Mas Agus forcing the match to be halted for three minutes, Antara reported. (27/yan)