Steven Danis
Football Tribe Indonesia
PSIS Semarang’s dramatic win against the title holder, Persija Jakarta, on Sunday night closed the second week of 2019 Shopee Liga 1. Meanwhile, Madura United’s superiority became the headline of the Indonesian Liga 1 Notes From Week 2 after their good performance allowed them to retain their place atop the table.
Laskar Sapeh Kerrab became the only team from East Java to get a positive result on the second week. A narrow away win over Barito Putera last Friday saw them strengthen their position as the league’s early leader. Andik Vermansyah scored the side’s solitary goal to collect six points from six with a +5 goal difference.
Madura United are now on the top and looking dominant, especially in the attacking phase, with Andik Vermansyah, Greg Nwokolo, Aleksandar Rakic (who scored 21 goals last season), and Beto Goncalves.
However, all eyes are on Andik’s performance now, as his goal into Barito’s net was his first since returning to the Indonesian league after 5 years in Malaysia.
On the same day of Madura’s victory, PSM Makassar struck four goals into Perseru Badak Lampung FC’s net, while Bali United also won 1-0 against Bhayangkara FC with a goal from Yabes Roni at the 70th minutes to give them the edge in their newly budding rivalry.
Elsewhere, Persebaya Surabaya played out a draw against Kalteng Putra last Tuesday (21/5). The following day, Persela Lamongan also picked up a solitary point against Persipura Jayapura.
Arema FC suffered a tragic loss at the hands of Borneo FC in their match away at the Segiri stadium to make it two losses from their first two games. Unfortunately, their captain, Hamka Hamzah, scored the first own-goal this season at the 57th minutes to give Pesut Etam the lead, and a goal from Lerby Eliandry three minutes from time complete the first win for Mario Gomez’s side.
Elsewhere, a 2018 Liga 2 grand finale took pace as PSS Sleman faced Semen Padang FC. However, the hosts had to play without the help of their fanatic supporters, who always stand and sing on the southern side of Maguwoharjo stadium, as a penalty for the violent acts that occurred in the first week. They conceded a beautiful goal from outside the penalty box, scored by Rosad Setiawan, after 31 minutes.
Luckily, Brian Ferreira became the messiah for Super Elja in this game, as referee Armyn Dwi Suryathin gifted the side a controversial penalty, allowing them to level the game up with 17 minutes left on the clock.
Another good story came from a Central Java team, as PSIS won 2-1 against defending champions Persija Jakarta. Macan Kemayoran went ahead courtesy of a goal from Ryuji Utomo in the 37th minute, but a brace from Hari Nur Yulianto in the last 15 meant that the title holders are still seeking their first win of this season.
Lastly, the West Java Derby between Persib Bandung and TIRA-Persikabo was postponed, leaving both sides on three points after their first wins of the season.
All Eyes on the Referee’s Performance
Teams’ productivity in front of goal dropped slightly, as only 19 goals were scored in the second game week. PSM Makassar’s net, guarded by Rivky Mokodompit, survived two games without conceding.
Badak Lampung and Arema remain the two teams who are yet to earn any points. Additionally, Badak Lampung have also conceded 7 goals in two matches – the amount may same with Persela, but Aji Santoso’s team successfully scored three while Lampung’s are yet to find the net.
Unfortunately, the referee’s performance must also be highlighted this week. All eyes on Armyn Dwi Suryathin, the referee for PSS Sleman’s match against Semen Padang, who gave the wrong call on PSS’s penalty.
Other referees also made controversial decisions. In another game, Madura United’s hero, Andik Vermansyah, also had a clash with Barito’s Brazilian defender, Lucas Silva, after Andik fouled Evan Dimas Darmono in the 60th minute. While the referee failed to take serious actions, the players in several matches looked too emotional, in what is becoming an unfortunate hallmark of the league.