PSM tops the eastern standing

PSM tops the eastern standing

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Defending champion PSM Makassar
took over the eastern division's top position from Barito Putra
of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan following a narrow 2-1 defeat
over the visitor on Saturday.

Yoseph Lewono curved a free kick from Carlos De Mello to earn
the first goal for PSM in the 18th minute. Teammate Fouda Ntsama
extended the team's lead in the 47th minute.

Barito's veteran player Steven Weah narrowed his team's defeat
in the 79th minute during the eastern division prequalifying
match of the 2001 Bank Mandiri national soccer league at
Mattoangin stadium here.

Barito tried to intensify attack on the home team, but the
result did not change until the end of the match.

As of Saturday, PSM has collected 23 points from seven wins,
two draws and one loss followed by Barito with 22 points from
seven wins, one draw and two losses.(27)