Steven Danis
Football Tribe Indonesia
East Kalimantan’s very own Borneo FC managed to extend their unbeaten run after winning their 8th match in a row since September last night. The same cannot be said for their rivals from Central Kalimantan, Kalteng Putra, who are now winless for the 8th time in a row after Borneo FC had duly dispatched them 2-0 in the latest installment of the Borneo Derby in the 24th Gameweek of the 2019 Liga 1.
Playing at Segiri Stadium in Samarinda in front of their faithful Pusamania supporters, Borneo FC immediately took the offensive initiative since kick-off, with Lerby Eliandry and Renan Silva spearheading Pesut Etam‘s attacking efforts. However, the deadlock was not broken until the 25th minute, when Terens Puhiri sent a powerful low shot into the Kalteng Putra goal.
Ten minutes before half time, Renan got himself on the scoresheet as well, scoring his 6th goal in 10 matches. Kalteng Putra tried their best to fight back, but until the referee blows for full-time, Laskar Isen Mulang couldn’t find the breakthrough necessary to reduce the deficit. Defeat meant that the newly-promoted side are knee-deep in the relegation zone as the league’s basement-dwellers, with recent reports of financial problems confounding Kalteng Putra’s misery.
Another Borneo club, this time representing South Kalimantan, Barito Putera, got themselves an important win in Gameweek 24. Taking on PSIS Semarang at the Demang Lehman Stadium, Djajang Nurdjaman’s men earned a 2-0 victory over Mahesa Jenar, with a goal in each half from Denny Monim and Rafael Silva. Laskar Pangeran Antasari are now 12th on the table, with 26 points from 24 games.
The Borneo Derby win meant that Borneo FC are now third on the table, with 41 points from 23 games. Mario Gomez’s men are relishing for an opportunity to overtake Madura United on 2nd, who are only one point in front of Pesut Etam. Madura United themselves are facing a tough match, as they’re flying to the Andi Mattalatta Stadium to take on PSM Makassar tomorrow afternoon.
Bali United Hit Perseru Badak Lampung for Three, Reaffirms Title Credentials
Treating their recent 6-0 defeat at Borneo FC as just a fluke, Bali United were back to their best yesterday as the league leaders hammered Perseru Badak Lampung FC 3-0 at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium. Cheered on by their Semeton Dewata supporters, Bali United opened the scoreline in the 10th minute after captain Fadil Sausu executed a sublime free-kick that left Badak Lampung goalie Daryono completely dumbfounded.
Recently linked to Thai League giants Buriram United, Bali United’s Montenegrin-born naturalized striker Ilija Spasojević bagged himself a brace in the second half, while Badak Lampung are forced to play with 10 men after Aulia Hidayat was sent off after receiving his second yellow card on the hour-mark. The comprehensive 3-0 win meant that Bali United re-established their 10 point gap over 2nd placed Madura United, with Serdadu Tridatu having collected 51 points from 22 games. For Badak Lampung, defeat meant that their survival chances are coming under threat. Laskar Saburai are now 16th on the table, one point above Semen Padang in 17th place. Persela Lamongan’s 1-0 win over Persebaya Surabaya in today’s match meant that Laskar Joko Tingkir are now 15th on the table, equal on points with Badak Lampung but with a better goal difference. Semen Padang will play Persipura Jayapura at the Haji Agus Salim Stadium tomorrow and a win for Kabau Sirah means that the pressure will be on for Badak Lampung in their fight against relegation.