RI beats RP in Nike Premier Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia beat the Philippines 4-1 yesterday in the under-14 Asia-Pacific Nike International Premier Cup at South Jakarta's Soemantri Bodjonegoro stadium.

The four goals came from Bambang Susanto in the 16th minute, Erik Setiawan in the 29th, Nurdien in the 34th and Suprapto in the 37th.

The Philippines' goal came through Gumban Rene five minutes before time.

The win means Indonesia plays Singapore today for fifth place, while the Philippines has to settle for seventh.

Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines did not qualify for the semifinals. South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and China have entered the semifinals which start today.

Indonesia lost its semifinals berth after China beat it 4-2 Monday.

Indonesia's two goals came from Kadek Senjaya and Erik Setiawan, while China scored four goals through Hu Zhi Qiang, Han Long (two goals) and Wang Xiao Dong.

Coach Deny Syamsudin said Indonesia's loss to China was because of poor preparation and lack of discipline.

In the other matches Monday, Malaysia held South Korea 1-1 through Zal Azmie (Malaysia) and Kim Dong-hi (South Korea), and Singapore beat the Philippines 1-0 through Zak Benyamin.

The winners of the Nike Premier Cup Asian finals will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for the first Nike Global Premier Cup finals against teams from Africa, Europe, Latin America and the USA. (lnt)