PAREPARE, Indonesia – Persita Tangerang delivered a stunning upset on Monday evening, defeating PSM Makassar 4-2 at Gelora B.J. Habibie Stadium in Parepare, South Sulawesi. The victory, fueled by a late goal from Hokky Caraka, marked a significant turnaround for the visitors and piled pressure on the hosts.
The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams demonstrating attacking intent. PSM Makassar initially took control, capitalizing on home advantage to establish a 2-0 lead. But, Persita responded with resilience, leveling the score before halftime and ultimately securing the win with two second-half goals.
Early PSM Dominance
PSM Makassar started brightly, earning a penalty just nine minutes into the match. Captain Yuran Fernandes calmly converted the spot-kick, giving the home side an early advantage. The momentum continued to build for PSM, and Aloisio Neto doubled their lead in the 26th minute with a header from a Daisuke Sakai cross, leaving Persita with a significant uphill battle.
Persita Fight Back Before Halftime
Faced with a two-goal deficit, Persita began to press forward, seeking a way back into the contest. Their efforts were rewarded in the 35th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Ananda Raihan fouled Rayco Rodrigues. Andrejic Aleksa stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Just two minutes later, Pablo Ganet found the back of the net, equalizing for Persita and injecting renewed belief into the team.
The first half concluded with the score locked at 2-2, setting the stage for a captivating second period.
Second-Half Shift and Persita’s Winner
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Persita gained greater control of the game. While PSM attempted to regain the initiative, Persita’s defense proved resolute, effectively containing the threats posed by Alex Tanque and his teammates.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Royco Rodriguez capitalized on a well-placed through ball from Andrejic, unleashing a shot that beat Reza Arya in the PSM goal. This gave Persita a 3-2 lead, and they continued to press for a fourth.
The final nail in the coffin came courtesy of Hokky Caraka, who scored a late goal to seal the 4-2 victory for Persita. Caraka, who recently featured as a goalkeeper, demonstrated his versatility and finishing ability with a crucial strike.
Mental Fortitude Praised
Following the match, praise was directed towards Persita’s mental strength and character. The team’s ability to respond after falling behind and ultimately overturn the deficit highlighted their determination and resilience. The coaching staff too lauded the players’ commitment and tactical discipline throughout the game.
Implications for PSM Makassar
The defeat raises questions about the current form of PSM Makassar. Reports suggest there is growing scrutiny of head coach Tomas Trucha, with some fans calling for a change in leadership. The team’s recent performances have been below expectations, and the loss to Persita will only intensify the pressure on Trucha and his squad. The team will need to quickly address their defensive vulnerabilities and rediscover their attacking spark to regain their competitive edge.
The result leaves PSM Makassar needing to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. The team will be looking to address the issues exposed in this match and return to winning ways.
What’s Next
Persita Tangerang will look to build on this impressive victory as they continue their Super League campaign. Their next match is yet to be confirmed, but fans can expect further updates through official team channels. PSM Makassar will aim to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming fixture, with the team focused on regaining their form and securing positive results.
The Indonesian Super League season continues to deliver exciting matches and unpredictable outcomes, and fans can look forward to more thrilling action in the weeks ahead.
