Steven Danis
Football Tribe Indonesia
Bali United extended their good performance in the league as they won 2-1 against promoted side Kalteng Putra last night. This marked the 50th Liga 1 win for Bali United’s Brazilian tactical mastermind, Stefano Cugurra Teco, since the league’s inception two years ago.
Playing in front of their fanatical supporters in the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali United’s Dutch winger Melvin Platje opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute after converting Fahmi Al-Ayubbi’s low cross from the right side with his head. But it was not easy for Bali United as Laskar Isen Mulang found the equalizer just one minute afterward through Patrich Wanggai’s low shot from inside the penalty box.
Twenty minutes later the hosts got a penalty after Paulo Sergio was fouled inside the box. Ilija Spasojevic stepped in and executed the penalty superbly to regain the lead for Bali United. The game itself was played on a high tempo as Kalteng Putra captain and ex-Bali United midfielder I Gede Sukadana received a straight red card right before the half-time whistle was blown.
The win meant that Bali United are now still on top of the league with 48 points and 14 more games to go before the league finishes, including their delayed game against Persipura Jayapura. The path towards 2019 Liga 1 title becomes much easier for Serdadu Tridatu as Madura United could only manage a 2-2 draw against PSS Sleman right before the start of Bali United’s game.
Beto Goncalves scored another brace for Laskar Sapeh Kerrab, but Haris Tuharea and Brian Ferreira were on the scoresheet to ensure that Super Elja‘s undefeated home record would continue. Meanwhile in Magelang, PSIS Semarang played out a goalless draw against Perseru Badak Lampung FC.