Steven Danis
Football Tribe Indonesia
After losing to Persib Bandung in Bali last week, Persija earned their second win under Brazilian mastermind, Edson Tavares, yesterday over PS TIRA-Persikabo; a side who smashed them 5-3 in the reverse fixture this season when Macan Kemayoran were under the guidance of Julio Banuelos.
Goalless in the first half, Persija finally scored in the 52nd minute as Xandao headed the ball through Padjajaran Army’s net after receiving a perfect pass from Heri Susanto from the right side. Twenty minutes later Heri once again provided the assist, and the ball now met Marko Simic’s head The Croatian forward easily lobbed his header into the net to extend Persija’s lead to two goals.
Ten minutes before the match ended, the visitor got a chance after Xandao’s handball inside of the penalty box. However, Ciro Alves wasn’t able to convert as the Brazilian shoot blocked by Persija and Indonesian captain, Andritany Ardhiyasa.
It’s was a massive win for Persija in the Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, even though they sit still in 4th place on the table. His goal also means that Marko Simic now stands with Alex Goncalves of Persela Lamongan as the league’s top scorer, as both have registered 16 goals so far. Meanwhile, PS TIRA-Persikabo still can’t win in the second half of the league.
In Madura last night the host Madura United loss 0-2 from their visitor Persipura Jayapura. Mutiara Hitam made a quick lead in the 3rd minutes through M. Tahir shoot into the near post of M. Ridho’s goal and Titus Bonai’s goal in last 15 minutes made Laskar Sapeh Kerrab loss precious points on their home, as the visitor now goes through the third position on the standing.
Another visitor who stole points in the closing days of Week 26 was Semen Padang FC, who tied 2-2 with Bhayangkara FC in Jakarta, while PSIS Semarang won 3-0 against PS Sleman on Saturday.