Southeast Asia Indonesia

Meaningful Final Ahead for Persija and PSM

Steven Danis

Football Tribe Indonesia

 

More than a year after it’s kick-off back in May 2018, the Piala Indonesia will end over the course of the next two Sundays, as Persija Jakarta and PSM Makassar face off. The national-scale tournament is finally back after its long hiatus since 2013 and set to be played for the first time with a new format, including a two-legged final. 

Two-legged finals aren’t common in Indonesian football and other competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League final into Men’s World Cup final. But the concept is far more common in Asian football competitions, such as the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

This is the reason why the PSSI consider to make the final of this national tournament two-legged is because the champions of 2018-2019 Piala Indonesia will play in AFC Cup, and earn direct passage to the group stage, like the league’s runner-up did last season. Uniquely, both of the finalists, Persija Jakarta and PSM Makassar, participated in that competition this year.

There may still be some new faces as the Indonesian representative in AFC Cup, as both now are well off the pace this season, including Persija’s plight which has seen them drop into the relegation zone. The leader of 2019 Liga 1 is PS TIRA-Persikabo, which if they win the league will enter into the first phase of AFC Champions League qualifying before entered the AFC Cup group stage if eliminated. So once again, for Persija and PSM, a shortcut to continental competition presents itself. 

Persija will be the host this Sunday while PSM stage the final battle in Mattoanging stadium a week after. Persija are still without the number one goalkeeper, Andritany Ardhiyasa, and French center-back, Steven Paulle, who are injured. Paulle will still get a reunion with his comrades in PSM Makassar at least off the pitch. Meanwhile, the away team also can’t play with midfield maestro Wiljan Pluim, who was injured after the league clash against Persebaya on Thursday night.

The first match will be held in Gelora Bung Karno stadium, and the home side will have memories of the league final at in 2001 when Persija beat  Juku Eja and claimed the trophy. However, the capital club have not been as fortunate in this competition, losing their last national cup final in the same stadium to Arema back in 2005. This will be the first Piala Indonesia trophy for both clubs. 

Persija progress to the final after beating Borneo FC 3-2 on aggregate while PSM progressed by an away goal after a tough tie against Madura United ended 2-2 on aggregate. Persija played ten matches before final and winning six of them, scoring 21 goals and conceding 9. PSM, meanwhile, played one less game but also registered six wins, scoring 24 and conceding 10.

Meanwhile, the league is still going on as the Week 10 will start on Saturday night and en on Monday night with the matches featuring Persija and PSM to be delayed.