Uston Nawawi's goal gives Persebaya 1-0 win over PKT

JAKARTA (JP): A sole goal from Persebaya midfielder Uston Nawawi in the 57th minute silenced visitor Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) Bontang, East Kalimantan, 1-0 in the eastern division match of the 2001 Bank Mandiri soccer league at the Gelora 10 Nopember Stadium in Surabaya on Sunday.

Uston scored the goal with a left kick from outside the penalty box which PKT goalkeeper Sumardi failed to catch.

"Persebaya deserved to win, they played really well. Especially since Uston played in the second half. But I'm satisfied because my players also performed well," said PKT coach Sergei Dobrovin of Moldova as quoted by Antara news agency.

Dobrovin said in general both teams performed equally well in the first half but entering the second half his players failed to place any pressure on their opponents.

Persebaya players gained their motivation with the entrance of Uston, who supplied a number of good passes to his teammate strikers.

"Uston is a good player. He has high technical skills and he's very good at arranging our team attacks," Dobrovin said.

Persebaya coach Rudy W. Keltjes said his players performed under pressure in the first half which reduced their number of good chances.

"Our players were so rushed in the first half and failed to take the opportunity to score a goal. But in the second half, they managed to control the match and played more aggressively."

Referee Suprihatin issued two yellow cards to Yudi Kuncahyo and Ridwansyah of PKT.

Host Persija overwhelmed Persikab Bandung 5-0 in the western division of the league at the Lebak Bulus Stadium, South Jakarta.

Both teams tied 0-0 in the first half but starting in the second half, Persija striker Luciano Leandro scored the initiating goal in the 52nd minute followed by Budi in the 56th, 70th and 85th minute. Midfielder Ebanda Timote added another goal in the 80th minute.

PSMS Medan of North Sumatra upset host PSBL Bandar Lampung 1-0 at the Pahoman Bandar Stadium.

With very poor field conditions due to heavy downpours, striker Colly Misrun of PSMS disappointed nearly 7,500 PSBL supporters by kicking the sole goal of the match in the 53rd minute.

Referee Mansyur S. had to issue two yellow cards to Burhanuddin of PSBL and M. Marco of PSMS.

PSBL had the chance to equal the score but the penalty kick executed by Syawaluddin in the 56th minute was tipped off by PSMS goalkeeper Sahari Gultom.

PSBL had five chances in the second half but they all hit the goal post.

PSMS coach Suimin Diharja said PSBL players performed outstandingly.

"They just lacked luck," he said.

Host Semen Padang shocked Persita Tangerang 2-1 at the Haji Agus Salim Stadium on Sunday.

Witnessed by around 14,000 spectators, Semen Padang produced two goals thanks to Suwarno in the 10th minute and Purwanto in the 77th minute. Persita's goal was scored by Anthony J. Balla in the 43rd minute.

Pelita Solo scored 2-0 to beat Persma Manado at the Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java.

Both goals were scored by Seto Nurdianto in the 35th minute and Asep Dayat in the 58th minute. (yan)