PSM Makassar had Abdul Rahman to thank as his last-gasp goal ensures a tightly-contested 2-1 win for the Juku Eja over top-flight debutants PSBS Biak in Friday’s 2024/25 Liga 1 Indonesia Matchweek 2 action at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali.
With the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura still undergoing finishing touches for Liga 1 games, PSBS hosted fellow Eastern Indonesia side PSM in Bali as the first of four matches hosted at the Dipta, with Bali’s sizeable Papuan population turning out in full-force in support of the Badai Pasifik.
PSM took the lead after just nine minutes, following a Victor Luiz free-kick that was parried away by PSBS goalkeeper Mario Londok. The ball struck the goalpost before falling into the path of Nermin Haljeta, who tapped in from close-range to score his third goal of the season.
PSM managed to control the game from there on, creating several chances through Ananda Raehan Alif, Tito Okello, and Latyr Fall.
Meanwhile, PSBS occasionally threatened Hilman Syah’s goal with efforts from Williams Lugo, Alexsandro, and Thomas Wandikbo.
As the second half began, PSBS surprised PSM with a goal in the 51st minute, just six minutes after the restart. A cross from the right wing was headed by Alexsandro and finished off in front of the goal by substitute Abel Arganaraz, leveling the score at 1-1.
After the equalizer, PSBS appeared to gain confidence and pushed for a second goal. Marckho Merauje and his teammates created a few chances in front of PSM’s goal.
The visitors, however, refused to stay on the defensive. Bernardo Tavares’ men began to regroup and revive their attacking play.
In the 76th minute, the ball found its way into PSBS’s net, but the goal was disallowed as Adilson Silva was caught offside while attempting to head in a cross from Daisuke Sakai. The score remained 1-1.
In the dying seconds, PSM clinched the winning goal through Abdul. A throw-in from the left flank managed to stir up chaos within the PSBS penalty area, leading to Mario charging out of his post to fist the ball away. His clearance wasn’t far enough, however, as the ball fell into the possession of Fall, who poked it above the PSBS defense. Seizing his opportunity and seeing that Mario is still off his post, Abdul jumped and headed the ball into the empty net, sealing all three points for PSM.
Friday’s other matches saw fellow debutants Malut United labor themselves to a 0-0 draw with Persebaya Surabaya at the Madya Stadium in Jakarta, while Eksel Runtukahu’s goal after 42 seconds proved to be the decider as Barito Putera saw off Madura United 1-0 at the Sultan Agung Stadium in Bantul.