SP, PSM, Persita march into semifinals

SP, PSM, Persita march into semifinals

Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang

Semen Padang, PSM Makassar and Persita Tangerang qualified for
the semifinals of the Indonesian soccer league with wins on
Wednesday.

In the second round of Group K matches, which were held in
Padang, West Sumatra, the host team crushed defending champion
Persija Jakarta 3-0 while PSM overcame Barito Putra 2-1.

Both teams have collected six points in the group and no
matter the outcome of the final group matches on Saturday, Semen
Padang and PSM cannot be caught in the final standings.

Meanwhile in Group L in Gresik, East Java, Persita was the
first team to go through to Jakarta, the venue of the semifinals,
winning its second group match against Arema Malang 1-0.

The remaining group qualifier will be either Persipura of
Papua or Petrokimia Gresik, who played on Wednesday with the
visiting team winning 2-1.

In Padang, the home team jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a
first-half goal by Agus Santiko. Carlos Renato Ellias and Suwarno
added second-half goals to complete the scoring for Semen Padang.

The match was a high tempo affair played out in front of about
20,000 spectators at the Agus Salim Stadium.

Both teams kept up their attacks throughout the match,
creating a handful of goal chances. But it was Semen Padang which
was able to capitalize on its chances.

The match was just three minutes old when Agus put the host in
front with a stunning goal after receiving a header from Carlos
Renato Ellias. The ball crashed into the net behind the helpless
goalkeeper, Mbeng Jean.

Down a goal, Persija stepped up its attack, but was unable to
break through the solid defensive wall of Padang's Jung Sunday,
Ellias and Rommy Diaz Putra.

In the second half, Ellias scored in the 75th minute to double
Semen Padang's lead. And in the 86th minute, Suwarno put the
issue beyond doubt, going past two defenders to find the back of
the net.

"We did our best, but the result was not what we expected,"
Persija coach Mundari Karya said after the match.

In the second match in Padang, Miro Baldo Bento gave PSM the
victory over Barito with a penalty kick after Bako Sadissou
fouled Joseph Lewono in the box.

The two teams finished the first half on level terms, with
Colly Misrun scoring for PSM in the 33rd minute and Bako Sadissou
evening the score for Barito only a minute later.