PSM stuns PSMS 1-0 to build on lead
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan
PSM Makassar consolidated its position at the top of the Indonesian soccer league after chalking up a crucial 1-0 away win over PSMS at Teladan Stadium in Medan, North Sumatra.
Last season's runner-up, which is currently competing in the Asian Champions League, PSM Makassar now has 27 points, four points ahead of Persebaya Surabaya.
Persebaya only managed a 1-1 draw in Cilegon, Banten, against Pelita KS. However, the Surabaya-based club still has one game in hand.
Meanwhile, the loss anchors PSMS in the middle of the table with 19 points.
The only goal of the match came on an individual effort by Uruguayan Christian Gonzales, who, after taking a pass from Marcello, dribbled past two defenders before firing the ball past goalkeeper Muhammad Halim two minutes from the end of time.
Both teams played an up-tempo match. The hosts looked to be the dominant side but poor accuracy prevented them from putting the ball in the back of the net of PSM goalkeeper Sergio Vargaz of Chile.
The visitors increased the tempo in the second half, turning up the aggression and creating a spate of goal chances.
The defeat was not well received by the home fans, who vented their anger by destroying billboards inside the stadium.
The police quickly took control of the situation and three people were arrested.
PSM assistant manager Syamsul Qomar told The Jakarta Post that discipline was the key to his team's victory.
Roni Saefuddin, an official from the home team, blamed the defeat on poor teamwork due to a long break. The league took a month-long break during the campaigning for the recent legislative election.
In Bandung, Uruguayan Adrian Colombo and Chilean Julio Lopez each scored in Persib's 2-0 victory over defending champion Persik Kediri at Siliwangi Stadium on a match aired live on ANTeve.
Colombo finished off a well-built attack started by national midfielder Alexander Pulalo with a cross from the left wing.
Gilang Angga Kusumah received the pass in the right corner of the penalty box and forwarded the ball to Colombo, who blasted a shot past goalkeeper Wahyudi in the 35th minute.
Three minutes from time Lopez doubled the lead with a one-time shot from a pass from compatriot Alejandro Tobar. Lopez made amends for his failure to score on an earlier penalty shot.
Sunday's results Persita 4 PKT 0 Semen Padang 2 Deltras 0 PSMS 0 PSM 1 PSPS 3 Persipura 2 Persija 3 Persela 1 Pelita KS 1 Persebaya 1 Persib 2 Persik 0