PSM Makassar thrashes Persijap Jepara 3-1

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion PSM Makassar of South Sulawesi defeated host Persijap Jepara 3-1 in the eastern division qualifying round for the Bank Mandiri soccer league at Kamal Junaidi stadium in Jepara, Central Java, on Thursday.

Foud Stsomu created the hattrick for PSM in the 20th, 53th and 66th minute. M. Yusuf narrowed Persijap's loss in the 88th minute.

PSM appeared optimistic of winning the match while Persijap, which was just promoted to the main division this year, tried to catch up with the 2000 league champion to earn a point at home.

After Stsomu's first goal, Persijap performed all-out but was still unable to break through PSM's solid defense.

In the second half, PSM intensified its attack and Stsomu headed home in the eight minutes after.

In Surabaya, home favorite Persebaya outclassed Pupuk Samarinda (Pusam) 5-2 at Tambaksari stadium on Thursday.

Agung Setyabudi scored the first goal five minutes into the first half. Teammate Ronald Pieterz earned another in the 34th minute and 81th minute, Rahel Tuasalamuni in the 75th and 85th minutes.

Pusam captain Yance Katehokang shot back in the 53th minute in a penalty shootout and German player John Delamo Ketter tried to catch up with Persebaya in the 87th minute.

In Gresik, East Java, Petro Putra Gresik overcame last year's runner-up Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) of Bontang, East Kalimantan, 3-1 at Tri Dharma stadium.

Zaenal Ikhwan contributed two goals in the 15th and 24th minutes and Eko Budi Santoso sealed the team's victory in the 29th minute. Supriansyah saved PKT's face with a shot in the 66th.

"Petro performed very well this time. PKT players cannot develop good teamwork or a solid defense," PKT manager Arif Budi Santoso was quoted by Antara as saying.

Petro manager Imam Supardi said he was satisfied with the result. "We are very excited because we beat PKT. They are a tough team, but I wonder why they performed so poorly today," he said.

In Tangerang, supporters threw missiles onto the soccer field following their team's 2-1 win over visitor PSP Padang at Benteng stadium on Thursday.

Persikota took an early lead in the 26th minute when Cameron national Francis Yongga volleyed home thanks to a pass from Saphou Lassy. PSP Yan Muharwan equalized through a penalty shootout, but Lassy ended the match for Persikota in the 80th minute. (ivy)