Robby's goals save Persib against Pasay

BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Robby Darwis scored two goals as Persib Bandung struggled all the way to beat Pasay City of the Philippines 2-1 in their Asia Champions' Cup second round first leg match here yesterday.

Captain Robby took action just in time to save the Indonesian league champion Persib with his 31st minute equalizer. The former national player struck his winning goal 11 minutes after the break.

It took the Filipinos only three minutes to deal the host an early blow when Yule Aversales slotted home the ball bounced off national goalkeeper Anwar Sanusi.

Indra Tohir's men sped up the pace after the shocking goal, but heavy rain which drenched the Siliwangi stadium kept them waiting until Robby found the net.

An overlapping Robby chased a long pass from Asep Kustiana, shrugging off a close marking from the Philippine defenders to drive his header to the net.

The water-logged pitch turned the match into an error-ridden one.

The Bandung side, which played before a fanatic crowd, created numerous goal scoring chances in the second half, but managed to score through Robby who shot a meter outside the penalty box.

"I'm very satisfied with the match. It surprised me since the field was very poor due to the rain," coach Indra said. "My boys managed to quickly change their play," Indra praised his squad.

Indra, who is considering retiring soon, warned that the home win has yet to save Persib as Pasay City performs very confidently and Persib will visit Pasay in Manila on Oct. 28.

"It's going to be a very tough battle. Their brilliant goalkeeper scares me a lot," Indra said. Pasay City's goalkeeper, Jose Marcelino Carpio, performed gamely to keep Persib's relentless charges at bay yesterday.

German consultant for the Filipino team, Manfred Honer, said that Persib deserved the win.

"Their defense was great. We expected to hold them with a goalless draw here and to win in our home match, but now we have to try harder as we were beaten."

The German consultant said that the rain provides no excuse for Pasay City for not playing well because Persib was able to play in such conditions.

Persib beat Bangkok Bank with an aggregate 2-1 win, while Pasay City demolished Tumon Typhoon of Guam 17-2 to reach the second round. (pet/icn)