PSM Unhappy Despite 2-0 Win Over Persema

East-Timorese born Miro Baldo Bento scored two successive goals to bring PSM of Makassar a 2-0 victory over Persema Malang in the Eastern Conference match of the 2001 Indonesian League Premier Division on Thursday (3/8).

Miro volleyed home a pass from PSM right winger Ortisan Salossa seven minutes into the first half. In front of 20,000 spectators, Miro headed home a curled pass again from Salossa in the 63rd minute and extended the team's lead.

There were almost no dangerous attacks from Persema players, and the absence of experienced skipper Aji Santoso really affected the team's performance. They were practically defending the whole time, and only tried to counterattack through lone striker Chilean Carlos Vega.

Despite the win, however, PSM coach Syamsuddin Umar said he was disappointed with his players' performance despite the victory. "PSM also lacks motivation. The players failed to cover all their sides," said Umar.

PSM Makassar, who played without their ace striker Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, now takes over the top spot of tough Eastern Conference from Barito Putra.

In Bontang, East Kalimantan, the 2000 league runners-up Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) Bontang blanked visitors PSS Sleman of Yogyakarta 4-0 in another Eastern Conference match at Mulawarman Stadium. Mansyur opened PKT's victory just four minutes into the first half. Teammates Khaifar, Pujo Soemedi and Firdaus Nyong each contributed in the 47th , 50th and 55th minutes respectively.

PSS coach Suharno admitted that his team was outclassed by the hosts. PSS has just been promoted to the Premier Division this year, and was actually doing well at the beginning of the season. As the season goes on, however, their lack of experience and depth are easy preys to the more established Premiership teams.

PKT manager Arief Budi Santoso expressed gratitude regarding his team's victory, saying that he only fielded second-stringer players in Thursday's match.

Moving on to the Western Conference, Persib Bandung takes over the lead of the conference after a comprehensive 1-0 away win over Persikabo Kab. Bogor. The only goal in the match was scored by Yaris Riyadi on the 65th minute.

Persita Tangerang, meanwhile, drops down to the second place after a 1-2 loss to hosts Jakarta FC. Both teams played attractive and offensive football, but as the game wore on, Jakarta's midfield started to stake their claim. Prolific Chilean playmaker Rodrigo Araya took both goals for his team in the 13th and 23rd minutes.

Starting in the second half, Persita's players, who had just lost their head coach Benny Dollo to the national team, doubled their effort to equalize. Persita's topscorer escaped a scrimmage in the 61st minute and clawed one back for his team.

But the score held until the final whistle, and Persita had to go home empty-handed.

In Medan, North Sumatra, hosts PSMS Medan extended its unbeaten home record after outplaying PSPS Pekanbaru 1-0 at Teladan Stadium. Chad national team striker Mourmada Marco headed home in the 37th minute thanks to a feed from winger Supriono.

The winger's outstanding performance in several matches has attracted the attention of the Football Association of Indonesia (FAI) scout Tumpak Sihite who is considering him for the national team in the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers.

Even though his team loast, PSPS Pekanbaru's head coach Parlin Siagian felt happy that the match went smoothly without any distraction. "I'm happy there's no chaos in the field. We had some good chances, but the boys were under too much pressure playing away," said Parlin.

from The Jakarta Post and other various sources