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)