Southeast Asia Indonesia

Indonesia Liga 1 Notes From Week 8 – The Invincibles From Bogor

By: Football Tribe Indonesia, July 23, 2019 8:23 pm

Steven Danis

Football Tribe Indonesia

 

After a run of nine games unbeaten, TIRA-Persikabo have taken the top spot from Bali United, who dominated in the early weeks. Their rise has thrown all expectations out of the water and could make for an exciting title race. Will they be able to go the distance this season? 

Rain of Goals from the City of Rain

PS TIRA-Persikabo won 5-3 against the titleholder Persija Jakarta in a result which made the Laskar Padjajaran still comfortably on the top of the league tables last Tuesday. This is become a record in Liga 1 league as in 2017 edition Sriwijaya win 10-2 over Gresik United. The goals didn't just pour in like rain in Bogor, but also Samarinda, where the Kalimantan Derby was won by Borneo FC on Thursday as Pesut Etam managed a 4-3 win against Barito Putera, who came into the game fresh off beating Bali United last week. 

Marko Simic Surrounded by Three Brazilians

Despite losing to TIRA-Persikabo, Persija’s striker Marko Simic set his name as the fifth player who scored a hattrick in 2019 Shopee Liga 1 alongside Makan Konate from Arema this week. Simic's tally of six goals is the same as Barito Putera’s striker, Brazilian Rafael Silva. Other Brazilian's have also scored better than him as Alex dos Santos (Persela/8 goals) and Ciro Alves (TIRA-Persikabo/7 goals), heating up the race for the golden boot. The only local player to join the race is Dedik Setiawan (Arema FC/5 goals).

Mutiara Hitam Back on the Track

Persipura Jayapura inflicted Madura United's first loss in this season last Tuesday as Mutiara Hitam’s living legend, Boaz Solossa, score the winning goal at the 8th minutes at the Mandala Stadium in Jayapura. This is also the first win for Persipura this season and a good start for Jacksen F. Tiago, who has returned to the team after five years separating. The Brazilian coach was already sacked by Barito Putera a few weeks ago, just as Persipura sacked Leandro. 

Bajol Ijo’s Long Wait to Score in Mattoanging

Persebaya Surabaya may have lost 2-1 against PSM Makassar last Wednesday, but all of their players, staffs and the supporters may rejoice and celebrate Irfan Jaya’s goal, which was their first in Makassar in the last 15 years. This goal is also emotional for Irfan, who used to play for PSM. Unfortunately, the winning goal by Ferdinan Sinaga in the second half meant Persebaya failed to secure a point in Makassar.