PSM defeats Persipura 3-0
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Host and defending champion PSM Makassar proved it deserved to gain the title last season as it managed to upbeat Persipura Jayapura 3-0 in the kick off of the seventh Bank Mandiri Indonesian soccer league (Ligina) at the Mattoangin stadium here on Sunday.
PSM striker Miro Baldo Bento extended the pass from Carlos de Mello in the penalty box to the left side of the Persipura goalkeeper Fison Merauje to score 1-0 in the seventh minute.
About 25,000 local soccer fans enthusiastically cheered the goal.
Persipura, which has many young players in the team, tried to counterattack the PSM defense. Persipura rightwinger Ridwan Bauw managed to reach the penalty area and kicked the ball real hard but it was too high over the PSM goal post.
Heavy rain disrupted the match as the pitch turned to mud and made it difficult for the players to dribble the ball. PSM was able to take advantage of the situation as they kept pressuring the match until Carlos managed to score the second goal in the 22nd minute.
Eight minutes later, PSM striker Fouda Ntsama scored the third goal when he headed the pass from Carlo. The score remained unchanged until halftime.
In the second half, the Persipura players kept trying to perform offensive playing. Persipura changed its formation a second time but four chances to score made by Frans Youve were successfully blocked by PSM goalkeeper Hendro Kartiko.
When referee Aries Munandar blew the final whistle, PSM supporters wildly greeted the opening victory in the league. Aries gave two yellow cards to PSM goalie Hendro and Persipura's Frans.
The Ligina kick off was officially opened by Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Agum Gumelar prior to the match.
Twenty-eight horse riders, wearing Makassar traditional outfits, entered the pitch carrying the flags of the league's competing clubs.
About 100 students from Makassar Football School gave a performance at the opening before they all ran to the side of the pitch and kicked balls to the spectators.
Makassar mayor Baso Amirrudin accompanied by PSM patron Nurdin Halid delivered the opening speeches regarding the preparations for the kick off ceremony.
Agum expressed hope in his speech that the seventh league would be better than last year's. He also urged soccer fans to support fair play both inside and outside the stadium.
As Agum finished his speech, a giant ball was opened and a local singer popped out to sing Gebyar Gebyar. (27)