Bekasi –
Persija Jakarta shifted PSM Makassar from the top of the 2022 Liga 1 standings. This was after the Kemayoran Tigers won 2-0 over Arema FC.
In the match at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, Sunday (12/2/2023) afternoon WIB, Persija played aggressively from the early minutes.
Witan Sulaeman played his debut match with Persija. Witan had a chance in the fourth minute but his shot failed to meet the target.
After that not many opportunities for both teams. After 20 minutes of action, the two teams exchanged attacks. Teguh Amiruddin in the 24th minute saved his goal from conceding after brushing off Riko Simanjuntak’s kick.
In the 35th minute, Persija received a penalty after Hanif Sjahbandi was fouled by Ahmad Figo.
Figo received a yellow card and Hanif, who advanced as executor, managed to outwit Teguh to bring Persija a 1-0 lead.
This was Hanif’s first goal after moving from Arema earlier this season. Score 1-0 lasted until halftime.
Entering the second half, Persija still controlled the match and tried to suppress Arema. Riko got one chance in the 55th minute but Teguh was able to brush it off.
Michael Krmencik doubled Persija’s lead in the 78th minute despite the controversy. From a counterattack. Krmencik received the through ball and immediately kicked the ball from close range into Arema’s goal.
The goal was protested because Krmencik was caught offside but the referee still allowed it. The goal was the last in this match and Persija won 2-0.
Three points make Persija temporarily at the top of the 2022 League 1 standings with 47 points, superior head-to-head from PSM who have also played 23 times. Persib Bandung is in third place in the standings with 46 points.
Persija’s position could be shifted again depending on the results of the Persib Bandung vs PSM match on February 14. Arema is in ninth position with 29 points.
Watch Video “The Facts of a Chaotic Demonstration Ended in the Damage to the Arema FC Office“
(mrp/then)
