PSM stuns PSMS 1-0 to build on lead
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