Persis Solo have finished third in the 2024 Piala Presiden after edging out Persija Jakarta 1-0 in Saturday’s third place play-off at the Manahan Stadium.
With both sides fielding their best lineups, it took Persis only 10 minutes to break the deadlock, when a powerful header from Persis defender Ricardo Lima went beyond the reaches of Andritany Ardhiyasa in the Persija goal.
The Macan Kemayoran had a chance to equalize to 1-1 shortly afterwards. Marko Simic headed a corner kick that went just wide of Persis’ goal.
Persis and Persija continued to push forward as they seek to either kill the game off or to tie things up. However, the 1-0 score for Persis remained until the end of the first half.
Persija had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 55th minute. Substitute player Dony Tri Pamungkas had an open chance to score as he aimed the ball at the far post. However, the shot was saved by Persis goalkeeper Muhammad Riyandi, resulting in only a corner kick.
Persija intensified their pressure to score. The movements of Gustavo Almeida and Witan Sulaeman repeatedly troubled Persis’ defense, however Riyandi’s excellent performance prevented the Macan Kemayoran from finding their way back into the game.
Persis managed to keep their goal secure from conceding until the match ended, maintaining their 1-0 lead over Persija, thus clinching this year’s Piala Presiden’s bronze medal.