PSM unhappy despite 2-0 win over Arema

JAKARTA (JP): East-Timorese born Miro Baldo Bento scored two successive goals to bring PSM of Makassar a 2-0 victory over Arema Malang in the eastern division match of the 2001 Bank Mandiri national soccer league on Thursday.

Miro volleyed home a pass from PSM right winger Ortisan Salossa seven minutes into the first half. In front of 20,000 spectators, Miro headed home a curled pass from Salossa in the 63rd minute and extended the team's lead.

Arema played offensively but could not earn a single goal although it had two opportunity-laden occasions at the Mattoangin stadium in Makassar.

Arema coach Rohando said that his players lacked motivation in facing the 2000 defending champion.

While PSM coach Syamsuddin Umar said he was disappointed with his players' performance despite the victory.

"PSM also lacks motivation. The players failed to cover all their sides," said Umar.

In Bontang, East Kalimantan, the 2000 league runners-up Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) blanked visitors PSS Sleman of Yogyakarta 4-0 in another eastern division match at Mulawarman stadium.

Mansur opened PKT's victory just four minutes into the first half. Teammate Khaifar, Pujo Soemedi and Firdaus Nyong each contributed in the 47, 50 and 55 minutes respectively.

PSS coach Suharno admitted that his team was outclassed by the host team. PSS has just been promoted to the main division this year.

PKT manager Arief Budi Santoso expressed gratitude regarding his team's victory, saying that he only fielded second-stringer players in Thursday's match.

Back in Jakarta, home team Persijatim of East Jakarta defeated Persita of Tangerang regency 2-1 in a western division match at Lebak Bulus stadium here.

Chilean player Rodrigo Araya contributed two goals in the 13th minute and 22nd minute. Persita's Ilham Jaya Kesuma escaped a scrimmage close to the net and scored a consolation goal in the 61th minute.

In Medan, North Sumatra, host PSMS Medan extended its unbeaten record in home matches after outplaying PSPS Pekanbaru 1-0 at Teladan stadium in another western division match, Antara reported.

Mourmada Marco headed home in the 37th minute thanks to a feed from winger Supriono. The winger's outstanding performance in several matches has attracted the attention of the Soccer Association of Indonesia's (PSSI) talentscouting official Tumpak Sihite who is considering him for the national team in the 2002 World Cup prequalifying-round.(27/ivy)