Jakarta Casual
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Three Points for SAF
SLeague
Gombak United v Tampines Rovers 2-1 (Ojimi Gabriel Obatola 17', 81; Qiu Li 3') 1,733
SAF v Super Reds 2-1 (Aleksandar Duric 81', John Wilkinson 87'; Oh Ddog Yi 36') 1,981
1. SAF 23 17 4 2 62-23 55
2. Home 23 17 2 4 54-22 53
3. Super Reds 23 17 2 4 47-23
Thai Premier League
PEA v Chonburi 0-0
TTM v Port 2 - 3
KTB v Bangkok University 2-0
Osotspa v Bangkok Bank 2-0
Nakhon Pathom v Chula 2-1
Army v Samut Songkhram 1-2
Bang Phra v TOT 2-1
BEC Tero Sasana v Customs 2-0
1. PEA 23 14 5 4 24-12 47
2. Chonburi 23 11 11 1 25-10 44
3. BEC Tero 23 12 5 6 42-27 41
4. TOT 23 11 7 5 29-21 40
God, that TPL looks a barrel of laughs eh? Chonburi have decided they don't want to win the League but of they do then it would be rather nice if they were the first team in world football to be crowned champions thanks to having drawn the majority of their games.
PEA are so worried about opponents losing face they have decided not to score too many goals and indeed have their sights set on averaging less than a goal per game.
Gombak United v Tampines Rovers 2-1 (Ojimi Gabriel Obatola 17', 81; Qiu Li 3') 1,733
SAF v Super Reds 2-1 (Aleksandar Duric 81', John Wilkinson 87'; Oh Ddog Yi 36') 1,981
1. SAF 23 17 4 2 62-23 55
2. Home 23 17 2 4 54-22 53
3. Super Reds 23 17 2 4 47-23
Thai Premier League
PEA v Chonburi 0-0
TTM v Port 2 - 3
KTB v Bangkok University 2-0
Osotspa v Bangkok Bank 2-0
Nakhon Pathom v Chula 2-1
Army v Samut Songkhram 1-2
Bang Phra v TOT 2-1
BEC Tero Sasana v Customs 2-0
1. PEA 23 14 5 4 24-12 47
2. Chonburi 23 11 11 1 25-10 44
3. BEC Tero 23 12 5 6 42-27 41
4. TOT 23 11 7 5 29-21 40
God, that TPL looks a barrel of laughs eh? Chonburi have decided they don't want to win the League but of they do then it would be rather nice if they were the first team in world football to be crowned champions thanks to having drawn the majority of their games.
PEA are so worried about opponents losing face they have decided not to score too many goals and indeed have their sights set on averaging less than a goal per game.
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Farce Continues!
Some fans turned up but after half time the Libyans didn't. They stayed in the dressing room, Indonesia kicked off and the ref halted the game.
More as I hear ...
There was an incident at half time between one of the Indonesian coaches and a Libyan coach, the Libyans got the hump and the Indonesians win by default.
Indonesia were leading 3-1 but who cares?
They are now dishing out the prizes, including one for fair play, but the whole thing is even more devalued. A poorly promoted, poorly attended competition ends in farce.
Welcome to football...Indonesia style.
Apologies 31/8...they were losing 1-0 when their goalkeeping coach decided to offer the Libyan coach some Indonesian hospitality by whacking him. I understand it ain't the first time the ere toward unheard of chap has been a hooking and a whacking either but you don't want to know that gutter press tittle tattle do you?
More as I hear ...
There was an incident at half time between one of the Indonesian coaches and a Libyan coach, the Libyans got the hump and the Indonesians win by default.
Indonesia were leading 3-1 but who cares?
They are now dishing out the prizes, including one for fair play, but the whole thing is even more devalued. A poorly promoted, poorly attended competition ends in farce.
Welcome to football...Indonesia style.
Apologies 31/8...they were losing 1-0 when their goalkeeping coach decided to offer the Libyan coach some Indonesian hospitality by whacking him. I understand it ain't the first time the ere toward unheard of chap has been a hooking and a whacking either but you don't want to know that gutter press tittle tattle do you?
Canadians Get Their Man
I said a few days back about Kedah's lethal striker Marlon Alex James moving to play in the MSL which is what them Americans call football these days. Right continent, wrong country. He's actually gone to Canada so i apologise to any Canucks who may be reading this and have been offended. Good for him I say and yee ha.
PSIS Have New Coach
PSIS have appointed Bambang Nurdiansyah as their new coach having played a few games with a caretaker.
Bambang started the season with Arema but was an early managerial causalty and now he will take the reins at Semarang, and not for the first time, once he has finished with the Indonesian Under 21 team at the Independence Cup.
He inherits a side bereft of experience and crammed to the gills with youth, something the man known as Banur is used to.
Bambang started the season with Arema but was an early managerial causalty and now he will take the reins at Semarang, and not for the first time, once he has finished with the Indonesian Under 21 team at the Independence Cup.
He inherits a side bereft of experience and crammed to the gills with youth, something the man known as Banur is used to.
Playing Through Ramadan
The ISL will continue on through the fasting month this season with games kicking off at 9pm to allow the players to break their fast and recover from their first meal.
Normally there has been a break but this season given the Independence Cup in Jakarta and the Merdeka Cup in KL we could have been without domestic football from the end of August till the end of October and then where would we be?
As it is the season has a very hesitant feel to it with breaks for the aformentioned competitions plus another one in December for the AFF Cup and possibly, I guess no one has looked this far ahead, another one in January when the Asian Cup Qualifiers start.
The season was slated to end in April 09 but now that has been extended till May. And next year ramadan will be a month earlier and there will be the Presidential elections to take into account but let's not go there. Not now. Wait until we get a bit closer to the time, say a week before, then do the calculating!
Normally there has been a break but this season given the Independence Cup in Jakarta and the Merdeka Cup in KL we could have been without domestic football from the end of August till the end of October and then where would we be?
As it is the season has a very hesitant feel to it with breaks for the aformentioned competitions plus another one in December for the AFF Cup and possibly, I guess no one has looked this far ahead, another one in January when the Asian Cup Qualifiers start.
The season was slated to end in April 09 but now that has been extended till May. And next year ramadan will be a month earlier and there will be the Presidential elections to take into account but let's not go there. Not now. Wait until we get a bit closer to the time, say a week before, then do the calculating!
Home Send a Message
Sengkang Punggol managed a rare goal last night at the Hougang Stadium but it came to nowt as Home United breezed past them 4-1 to go top of the SLeague. Two goals from Indra Sahdan plus Syed Fadhil and Naruphol Ar-Romsawa put the Protectors ahead of Super Reds on goal difference and a point clear of SAF. The latter two have a game in hand.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Indonesia Beat Indonesia
Indonesia v Indonesia B 1-0
Indonesia : 23-Markus Horison, 2-M Robi, 6-Charis Yulianto (captain), 11-Ponaryo Astaman, 14-Ismed Sofyan, 15-Firman Utina/3-Erol Iba, 17-M Ilham, 13-Budi Sudarsono, 19-Arif Suyono, 20-Bambang Pamungkas/10-Rudi Widodo, 22-Isnan Ali/8-Elie Aiboy.
Indonesia B: 2-Richie Pravita, 3-Achmad Jufrianto, 6-Djayusman Triasdi, 13-Rizki Lestahulu (kapten), 10-Jajang Mulyana/18-Riski Novriansyah, 11-M Bahtiar/20-Safri Umri, 1-Galih Sudaryono (kiper), 15-Egi Megiansyah, 22-Samsul Arif, 16-Hendro Siswanto, 21-Novian Setyo Sasongko/19-Cornelius Geddi.
Libya v Myanmar 5-3
Friday's Independence Cup Final will be between Indonesia and Lybia and will be played on a field in a kampung 326 km east of Jakarta in the hope of attracting some fans.
Nah, not really!
Bung Karno as per usual though with it being a final perhaps a four figure attendance may make it.
No idea what time the kick off is. If it's 9.15 then I'm not going. A daft time to start a football match, whoever came up with that idea?
Indonesia : 23-Markus Horison, 2-M Robi, 6-Charis Yulianto (captain), 11-Ponaryo Astaman, 14-Ismed Sofyan, 15-Firman Utina/3-Erol Iba, 17-M Ilham, 13-Budi Sudarsono, 19-Arif Suyono, 20-Bambang Pamungkas/10-Rudi Widodo, 22-Isnan Ali/8-Elie Aiboy.
Indonesia B: 2-Richie Pravita, 3-Achmad Jufrianto, 6-Djayusman Triasdi, 13-Rizki Lestahulu (kapten), 10-Jajang Mulyana/18-Riski Novriansyah, 11-M Bahtiar/20-Safri Umri, 1-Galih Sudaryono (kiper), 15-Egi Megiansyah, 22-Samsul Arif, 16-Hendro Siswanto, 21-Novian Setyo Sasongko/19-Cornelius Geddi.
Libya v Myanmar 5-3
Friday's Independence Cup Final will be between Indonesia and Lybia and will be played on a field in a kampung 326 km east of Jakarta in the hope of attracting some fans.
Nah, not really!
Bung Karno as per usual though with it being a final perhaps a four figure attendance may make it.
No idea what time the kick off is. If it's 9.15 then I'm not going. A daft time to start a football match, whoever came up with that idea?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
ASEAN Football Championship Draw 2008
The draw for the tournament was held today in Jakarta.
Initially there will be a qualification round in Phnom Penh featuring Philipines, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The top two will then join the six seeded teams and fight it out for the AFF Championship in December.
Initially there will be a qualification round in Phnom Penh featuring Philipines, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The top two will then join the six seeded teams and fight it out for the AFF Championship in December.
Defending champions Singapore return to Indonesia who they beat in the the first leg of the final 3-1 back in 2005 at a wet Bung Karno if I recall
Group A -
Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, 2nd Qualifier
Group B -
Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, 1st Qualifier
Two venues are to be used in Indonesia, Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta and Jaluk Harupat in Soreang, West Java. I guess the Thais will go with Supachalasai and Rajamangala which are both in Bangkok.
Fixtures
05/12 - Singapore v Q2
05/12 - Indonesia v Myanmar
06/12 - Malaysia v QI
06/12 - Thailand v Vietnam
07/12 - Singapore v Myanmar
07/12 - Indonesia v Q2
08/12 - Vietnam v Malaysia
08/12 - Thailand v Q1
09/12 - Myanmar v Q2
09/12 - Indonesia v Singapore
10/12 - Vietnam v Q1
10/12 - Thailand v Malaysia
16/12 - Runners Up A v Winner B
17/12 - Winner A v Runners Up B
20/12 - Winner B v Runners Up A
21/12 - Runners Up B v Winner A
24/12 - Final 1st Leg
28/12 - Final 2nd Leg
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Independence Cup
Indonesia v Myanmar 4-0
Brunei v Libya 1-5
Semi Finals
Indonesia v Indonesia B
Libya v Myanmar
I was round the Bung Karno Stadium at the weekend and it was telling to see that a youth tournament was being widely promoted in the area while the Independence Cup less so.
The FA has to realise they can't just say they're having a torunament and expect people to drop everything to attend. Especially when they have effectively said there can be no Super League games in the capital.
Fans aren't attracted by mega bazaars and fun and games. They are excited by what happens on the pitch and while Indonesia have done well in that regard mixed messages, poor promotion and lunatic kick off times means Bambang and co have been impressing more media than fans.
Nelson Heading South?
Nelson Martin, one of the stars of Kedah's recent treble success in Malaysia, is rumoured to be heading south of the causeway but it is unknown at the moment which SLeague side will be snapping him up.
It does seem odd that one of the reasons the Malaysians gave for getting rid of their foreigners was they weren't good enough yet players like Marlon Alex James would thrive at this level everywhere.
In fact San Jose Earthquake think so and they have snapped him up for the MLS.
Still, Malaysia does make some odd decisions.
It does seem odd that one of the reasons the Malaysians gave for getting rid of their foreigners was they weren't good enough yet players like Marlon Alex James would thrive at this level everywhere.
In fact San Jose Earthquake think so and they have snapped him up for the MLS.
Still, Malaysia does make some odd decisions.
Duric Powers SAF
Two second half goals from leading goalscorer Aleksander Duric were enough to put SAF into the Singapore Cup Final last night.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg SAF went to Tampines knowing their fate was in their hands and they went through 4-0 on aggregate.
In the final they play Woodlands Wellington at Jalan Besar Stadium.
SAF are of course the Singapore Cup holders and are on course for a unique treble including the SLeague and the AFC Cup.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg SAF went to Tampines knowing their fate was in their hands and they went through 4-0 on aggregate.
In the final they play Woodlands Wellington at Jalan Besar Stadium.
SAF are of course the Singapore Cup holders and are on course for a unique treble including the SLeague and the AFC Cup.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Jacksen Goes East
It looks like Jacksen Tiago has packed his toothbrush and headed to Persipura to take charge of the Black Pearls. After a few months at the cash starved Persitara a toothbrush is probably all he can afford!
The Brazilian coach, formerly a prolific scorer for Persebaya, is also the last foreign coach to win the Indonesia League when he did so with the Surabaya side.
Replacing Tiago at Persitara is Dadang Iskandar on a caretaker basis.
Former Persipura coach, the Malaysian Raja Isa, is being strongly linked with the PSM job.
Meanwhile PSIS and PSMS are both making do with caretaker coaches.
The Brazilian coach, formerly a prolific scorer for Persebaya, is also the last foreign coach to win the Indonesia League when he did so with the Surabaya side.
Replacing Tiago at Persitara is Dadang Iskandar on a caretaker basis.
Former Persipura coach, the Malaysian Raja Isa, is being strongly linked with the PSM job.
Meanwhile PSIS and PSMS are both making do with caretaker coaches.
Kudos to Mitra Kukar
Mitra Kukar play in the Indonesian Premier League eastern Division where they sit in mid table oblivion.
Their lowly status doesn't stop them having possibly the best club web site I have come across so far. Oddly, for Indonesia, it looks to be regularly updated and has a message board where fans are thanked for their support!
Singaporean legend and current Pelita jaya coach Fandi Ahmad played for the club in one of their earlier incarnations when they were known as Mitra NIAC and played in Surabaya. Now they play on the island of Kalimantan in the town of Kutai Kartanegara, apparently one of the wealthiest regions in the country.
Their lowly status doesn't stop them having possibly the best club web site I have come across so far. Oddly, for Indonesia, it looks to be regularly updated and has a message board where fans are thanked for their support!
Singaporean legend and current Pelita jaya coach Fandi Ahmad played for the club in one of their earlier incarnations when they were known as Mitra NIAC and played in Surabaya. Now they play on the island of Kalimantan in the town of Kutai Kartanegara, apparently one of the wealthiest regions in the country.
Javier Rocha Inspires Persebaya
In yesterday's East Java derby Persebaya Surabaya crushed Persema Malang 6-1 with Javier Rocha netting a hat trick for the home side.
Two goals from Damasio and one from Purwanto completed the rout.
Both clubs have spent big as they try to reach the ISL with Persebaya recruiting Rocha, Bobby Satria and Kurnia Sandy while Persema added Bima Sakti, Christian Lenglolo and Julien Mbom Mbom.
The three points for Persebaya puts them on top of the Premier League Eastern Division on goal difference ahead of Persiba Bantul.
Persema are a point behind on nine points.
Two goals from Damasio and one from Purwanto completed the rout.
Both clubs have spent big as they try to reach the ISL with Persebaya recruiting Rocha, Bobby Satria and Kurnia Sandy while Persema added Bima Sakti, Christian Lenglolo and Julien Mbom Mbom.
The three points for Persebaya puts them on top of the Premier League Eastern Division on goal difference ahead of Persiba Bantul.
Persema are a point behind on nine points.
An Indonesian Football Academy
The Indonesian FA are looking to open the nation's very own football academy next July in Lido, approximately 70 kilometres south of Jakarta.
I was talking with Marvin, head coach of SSI (the outfit which runs the Arsenal Soccer School) and he said plans allow for a 10 hectare site located in the foothills of West Java and linked to the capital city.
The ain is to take 13-16 year olds and give them a good grounding in football and education before sending them off to Uruguay where Indonesia has entered a side in the national youth league there.
It is an ambitious project and one that isn't likely to produce instant results but the hope is that within a decade Indonesia will have it's own conveyor belt of talent that will make them a power in the region.
I was talking with Marvin, head coach of SSI (the outfit which runs the Arsenal Soccer School) and he said plans allow for a 10 hectare site located in the foothills of West Java and linked to the capital city.
The ain is to take 13-16 year olds and give them a good grounding in football and education before sending them off to Uruguay where Indonesia has entered a side in the national youth league there.
It is an ambitious project and one that isn't likely to produce instant results but the hope is that within a decade Indonesia will have it's own conveyor belt of talent that will make them a power in the region.
Woodlands Reach the Final
2-1 down from the first leg. last night Woodlands Wellington went to Jalan Besar and defeated Young Lions 3-1.
It was an odd night. Penalties, own goals and red cards dished out like bangers at a barbie.
Abdelhadi Laakkad gave the visiting Rams the lead on 8' before Ismail Yunos 17' doubled the lead putting through his own goal.
Three minutes later the Lions' Isam Halim and Sazali Salleh from Woodlands saw red.
Irwan Shah levelled the aggregate score on 40' when he pulled one back for the Young Lions.
Young Lions were down to 9 men when Obadin Aikhena saw red on 83' and four minutes later the Lions' cup dreams were over when Laakkad scored from the penalty spot.
Ismail Yunos crowned a poor night at the office when he was red carded in the 90th minute, the Young Lions third red card of the game.
It was an odd night. Penalties, own goals and red cards dished out like bangers at a barbie.
Abdelhadi Laakkad gave the visiting Rams the lead on 8' before Ismail Yunos 17' doubled the lead putting through his own goal.
Three minutes later the Lions' Isam Halim and Sazali Salleh from Woodlands saw red.
Irwan Shah levelled the aggregate score on 40' when he pulled one back for the Young Lions.
Young Lions were down to 9 men when Obadin Aikhena saw red on 83' and four minutes later the Lions' cup dreams were over when Laakkad scored from the penalty spot.
Ismail Yunos crowned a poor night at the office when he was red carded in the 90th minute, the Young Lions third red card of the game.
Unbelievable Kedah!
Kedah became back to back treble winners at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in KL as they came from behind to beat Selangor in the Malaysia Cup on Saturday night.
Frank Seator gave Selangor the lead on 18' yet a rapid fire response from the Canaries meant the game was as good as over by half time.
Goals by Marlon Alex James, Nelson San Martin and Fadly Baharom within six minutes had the northern side well on the way to glory and while Safee Mohd Salee pulled one back for the Red Giants with 13' left the cup was Kedah bound.
SELANGOR - Mohd Suffian Abd Rahman, Mohd Razman Roslan, Evans Chisulo, Mohd Shukor Adan, Mohd Amri Yahyah, Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar, D.Surendran (Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal), Elie Aiboy, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali, Frank Seator, Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Mohd Fadzli Saari).
KEDAH - Mohd Hilmi Eliza Elias, Victor Andrag (Mohd Fazliata Taib), Cornelius Benard Huggins, Badrol Bakhtiar, Nelson San Martin (Mat Sabri Abu), V.Thirumurugan, Ahmad Fauzi Saari, Shafizan Hashim, Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen, Mohd Fadly Baharom, Marlon Alex James.
In what will be the last game played with foreigners for at least 12 months it was no surprise to see three of the five goals netted by them.
Frank Seator gave Selangor the lead on 18' yet a rapid fire response from the Canaries meant the game was as good as over by half time.
Goals by Marlon Alex James, Nelson San Martin and Fadly Baharom within six minutes had the northern side well on the way to glory and while Safee Mohd Salee pulled one back for the Red Giants with 13' left the cup was Kedah bound.
SELANGOR - Mohd Suffian Abd Rahman, Mohd Razman Roslan, Evans Chisulo, Mohd Shukor Adan, Mohd Amri Yahyah, Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar, D.Surendran (Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal), Elie Aiboy, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali, Frank Seator, Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Mohd Fadzli Saari).
KEDAH - Mohd Hilmi Eliza Elias, Victor Andrag (Mohd Fazliata Taib), Cornelius Benard Huggins, Badrol Bakhtiar, Nelson San Martin (Mat Sabri Abu), V.Thirumurugan, Ahmad Fauzi Saari, Shafizan Hashim, Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen, Mohd Fadly Baharom, Marlon Alex James.
In what will be the last game played with foreigners for at least 12 months it was no surprise to see three of the five goals netted by them.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
PEA Extend Lead
Thai Premier League
Army v KTB 0-2
Bangkok University v Tobacco 1-0
Port v PEA 0-2
Chonburi v Osotspa 1-1
Bangkok Bank v Bang Phra 0-0
TOT v Nakorn Pathom 3-2
Sintana v Bec Tero 6-2
Wow!
Bit of a goal fest in the TPL where yellow cards usually outnumber anything rippling the fish net behind the goal.
The real winners were PEA who saw rivals Chonburi and BEC Tero slip up and in the case of the latter big time.
Another draw for Chonburi, their 10th of the season, will have disappointed their huge army of fans while BEC Tero, the TPL's leading scorers, showed their defence has the stability of a Kevin Keegan made line up.
1. PEA 22 14 4 4 24-12 46
2. Chonburi 22 11 10 1 25-10 43
3. TOT 22 11 7 4 28-19 40
4. BEC Tero 22 11 5 6 40-27 38
Top Scorers
13 - Anan (BEC Tero), Rattachai (PEA)
10 - Theerethep (BEC Tero)
8 - Noppapon (Bangkok University), Sriayuth (Osotspa)
Interesting that the leading goalscorers in the TPL, unlike in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are home grown players and not imports
With apologies for any misspellings!
Army v KTB 0-2
Bangkok University v Tobacco 1-0
Port v PEA 0-2
Chonburi v Osotspa 1-1
Bangkok Bank v Bang Phra 0-0
TOT v Nakorn Pathom 3-2
Sintana v Bec Tero 6-2
Wow!
Bit of a goal fest in the TPL where yellow cards usually outnumber anything rippling the fish net behind the goal.
The real winners were PEA who saw rivals Chonburi and BEC Tero slip up and in the case of the latter big time.
Another draw for Chonburi, their 10th of the season, will have disappointed their huge army of fans while BEC Tero, the TPL's leading scorers, showed their defence has the stability of a Kevin Keegan made line up.
1. PEA 22 14 4 4 24-12 46
2. Chonburi 22 11 10 1 25-10 43
3. TOT 22 11 7 4 28-19 40
4. BEC Tero 22 11 5 6 40-27 38
Top Scorers
13 - Anan (BEC Tero), Rattachai (PEA)
10 - Theerethep (BEC Tero)
8 - Noppapon (Bangkok University), Sriayuth (Osotspa)
Interesting that the leading goalscorers in the TPL, unlike in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are home grown players and not imports
With apologies for any misspellings!
Persisam Lose in Distant Aceh
Persisam took their expansive array of attacking flair to the distant out post of Bireuen and did what most other teams will do there this season. They lost 3-0 to allow the side a seven hour drive from Medan airport go top of the Western Division Premier League.
The Premier League's top scorer, Zulkanairn, scored one of his goals to make it five for the season.
The Premier League's top scorer, Zulkanairn, scored one of his goals to make it five for the season.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Top of the Table Clashes
For good reason the match of the day in South East Asia today is in Malaysia where Selangor clash with a Kedah side on target for back to back trebles.
Meanwhile here in Indonesia we have an Independence Cup which has stopped for a weekend break! The ISL is on hold.
We are left with the Indonesian Premier League and there are a couple of more than interesting match ups in the two division league.
In the Western Division high scoring Persisam make the arduous trip to Aceh where they play PSSB, a team that rarely drop points on their home patch, in a game that pits third against fourth,
In the Eastern Division a good old fashioned local derby takes pride of place as second placed Persema Malang take on third placed Persebaya. It's a fixture that deserves to be on TV but as yet not deal has been done to show IPL games.
Western Division
1. PSPS Pekanbaru 4 2 2 0 8-4 8
2. Semen Padang 4 2 2 0 6-2 8
3. Persisam 4 2 1 1 14-4 7
4. PSSB 3 2 1 0 5-1 7
5. Mitra Kukar 4 2 1 1 4-2 7
Eastern Division
1. Persiba* 4 3 1 0 5-1 10
2. Persema 4 3 0 1 7-2 9
3. Persebaya 4 2 1 1 7-5 7
4. Perseman 4 2 1 1 4-4 7
Meanwhile here in Indonesia we have an Independence Cup which has stopped for a weekend break! The ISL is on hold.
We are left with the Indonesian Premier League and there are a couple of more than interesting match ups in the two division league.
In the Western Division high scoring Persisam make the arduous trip to Aceh where they play PSSB, a team that rarely drop points on their home patch, in a game that pits third against fourth,
In the Eastern Division a good old fashioned local derby takes pride of place as second placed Persema Malang take on third placed Persebaya. It's a fixture that deserves to be on TV but as yet not deal has been done to show IPL games.
Western Division
1. PSPS Pekanbaru 4 2 2 0 8-4 8
2. Semen Padang 4 2 2 0 6-2 8
3. Persisam 4 2 1 1 14-4 7
4. PSSB 3 2 1 0 5-1 7
5. Mitra Kukar 4 2 1 1 4-2 7
Eastern Division
1. Persiba* 4 3 1 0 5-1 10
2. Persema 4 3 0 1 7-2 9
3. Persebaya 4 2 1 1 7-5 7
4. Perseman 4 2 1 1 4-4 7
Independence Cup Last Night
Cambodia v Myanmar 1-7 (Kim Borey pen 17; Khin Maung Lwin 6, Yaza Win Thien 21, 45, 77, Soe Myat Min 50, Yan Paing 63, 87) 100
Indonesia B v Libya 1-4 (Jajang (93; Mouad Mohamed 31, Zaghb 49, Allafi 65, Ehab Abdalla 89) 500
I'm going to the pub tonight for an anniversary. There will be more people there then there was at Bung Karno last night.
Indonesia B v Libya 1-4 (Jajang (93; Mouad Mohamed 31, Zaghb 49, Allafi 65, Ehab Abdalla 89) 500
I'm going to the pub tonight for an anniversary. There will be more people there then there was at Bung Karno last night.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Advantage SAF
SAF go into next week's Singapore Cup semi final second leg tie against Tampines Rovers with a two goal lead thanks to Ahmad Latiff 45' and Norikazu Murakami 67'.
Wooing the Fans
The first game of the Independence Cup, Indonesia B v Brunei, attracted something like 500 fans to the cavernous Bung karno Stadium which holds 88,000 people.
The later game, the one that kicked off at 9.15 and finished two hours later, had about 3,000.
Fans in Jakarta have been prevented from seeing any ISL games this season yet they are expected to just forget being treated like dirt and turn up in massive numbers on inconvenient weekday evenings to see weak opposition?
Maybe Indonesia winning 7-0 last night might pull in a few dozen extra. Or maybe not.
The later game, the one that kicked off at 9.15 and finished two hours later, had about 3,000.
Fans in Jakarta have been prevented from seeing any ISL games this season yet they are expected to just forget being treated like dirt and turn up in massive numbers on inconvenient weekday evenings to see weak opposition?
Maybe Indonesia winning 7-0 last night might pull in a few dozen extra. Or maybe not.
Advantage Young Lions
In last night's Singapore Cup semi final first leg Young Lions came from behind to defeat Woodlands Wellington.
Lucian Dronca gave the home side the lead on 11' but goals from Obadin Aikhena 33' and Fadhil Noh 57' means the Rams have an uphill struggle in the second leg.
Lucian Dronca gave the home side the lead on 11' but goals from Obadin Aikhena 33' and Fadhil Noh 57' means the Rams have an uphill struggle in the second leg.
Indonesia v Cambodia
7-0!
Talk about luar biasa. Indonesia's last internationals have seen them score a single goal against Yemen, Bayern, Malaysia and Vietnam and go goal crazy when they hit two past New Zealand. Now they go and thump seven past Cambodia!
Budi Sudarsono hit four in 25 first half minutes while Charis Yulianto, M Ilham and Bambang Pamungkas finished the route.
And to think I missed this extravaganza catching some zzz's.
Might add a few thousand to the attendance tonight!
Indonesia: Markus Harison, Muhamad Roby, Charis Yulianto, Isnan Ali, Ponaryo Astaman, Budi Sudarsono (Rudi Widodo 64), Ismed Sofyan, Muhammad Ilham, Firman Utina (Eka Ramdani 65), Arif Suyono (Erol Iba 74), Bambang Pamungkas
Cambodia: Ouk Mic, Kim Chanbunrith, Tieng Tiny, Thuk Sothearith, Chea Virath, Ieng Saknida, Chan Rithy, Sun Sovannarith, Sam El Nasa (Chhun Sothearath 78), Kouch Sokumpheak, Pich Sina (Sem Bunny 22)
Talk about luar biasa. Indonesia's last internationals have seen them score a single goal against Yemen, Bayern, Malaysia and Vietnam and go goal crazy when they hit two past New Zealand. Now they go and thump seven past Cambodia!
Budi Sudarsono hit four in 25 first half minutes while Charis Yulianto, M Ilham and Bambang Pamungkas finished the route.
And to think I missed this extravaganza catching some zzz's.
Might add a few thousand to the attendance tonight!
Indonesia: Markus Harison, Muhamad Roby, Charis Yulianto, Isnan Ali, Ponaryo Astaman, Budi Sudarsono (Rudi Widodo 64), Ismed Sofyan, Muhammad Ilham, Firman Utina (Eka Ramdani 65), Arif Suyono (Erol Iba 74), Bambang Pamungkas
Cambodia: Ouk Mic, Kim Chanbunrith, Tieng Tiny, Thuk Sothearith, Chea Virath, Ieng Saknida, Chan Rithy, Sun Sovannarith, Sam El Nasa (Chhun Sothearath 78), Kouch Sokumpheak, Pich Sina (Sem Bunny 22)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Indonesia B v Brunei
Indonesia won a game they dominated 2-0 thanks to goals from Rizky and Jajang.
Crap game, you gotta feel for the hundreds who paid to get in. Next up is Indonesia against Cambodia.
I'll pass on that. Seeing a local game finish at 11.15 is plain daft and obviously I'm not alone judging by the fans dressed as benches.
Crap game, you gotta feel for the hundreds who paid to get in. Next up is Indonesia against Cambodia.
I'll pass on that. Seeing a local game finish at 11.15 is plain daft and obviously I'm not alone judging by the fans dressed as benches.
Football is Dying
Rumours continue to abound about unpaid salaries throughout the ISL. You still see quotes from club officials, living in some parallel universe, insisting they are waiting for local government funds even though this have been disallowed.
Clubs used to a culture of handouts and opaqueness just aren't going to embrace the world of marketing and cash flows just like that. Even if they wanted to.
You then have clubs being shifted round the country willy nilly and being forced to play in front of empty stadiums and what you have is an unworkable business model.
It's widely accepted not all 18 clubs will finish the season. Will the league?
Football in Indonesia, like the rest of Indonesia, has massive potential. Potential that is being ignored.
Next time you see a game on TV with spectators check out how many fans are wearing club colours. And you know how much of that revenue gets to the clubs? Peanuts. Less than peanuts, the salt on the peanuts. If they're lucky.
No one knows precise gate figures.
Instead people just rely on hand outs, TV money and prayers.
With no investment at the highest levels of the game you can imagine what is going into the grass roots.
A while back I spoke with someone very close to the management of one ISL club. He said he knew he was essentially an enthusiastic amateur. He said there were too many people like him. What the game needed was professionals.
And as I write this Indonesia B are dominating against Brunei at an empty Bung Karno Stadium yet struggle to score. Or pass. Or shoot on target. Or control the ball. And an embarrasing performance by the man with the whistle.
The ISL starts again early September. Ramadhan. The fasting season. Will anybody still care?
Clubs used to a culture of handouts and opaqueness just aren't going to embrace the world of marketing and cash flows just like that. Even if they wanted to.
You then have clubs being shifted round the country willy nilly and being forced to play in front of empty stadiums and what you have is an unworkable business model.
It's widely accepted not all 18 clubs will finish the season. Will the league?
Football in Indonesia, like the rest of Indonesia, has massive potential. Potential that is being ignored.
Next time you see a game on TV with spectators check out how many fans are wearing club colours. And you know how much of that revenue gets to the clubs? Peanuts. Less than peanuts, the salt on the peanuts. If they're lucky.
No one knows precise gate figures.
Instead people just rely on hand outs, TV money and prayers.
With no investment at the highest levels of the game you can imagine what is going into the grass roots.
A while back I spoke with someone very close to the management of one ISL club. He said he knew he was essentially an enthusiastic amateur. He said there were too many people like him. What the game needed was professionals.
And as I write this Indonesia B are dominating against Brunei at an empty Bung Karno Stadium yet struggle to score. Or pass. Or shoot on target. Or control the ball. And an embarrasing performance by the man with the whistle.
The ISL starts again early September. Ramadhan. The fasting season. Will anybody still care?
Persiwa Top of the League!
In the day's only ISL game Persiwa defeated Persita 4-2 to go top of the table.
The visitors took the lead on 29' when Lubis Sukur scored but ot was short lived and two goals within three minutes put the Highlanders in the lead. Chaoui and Romaropen getting them.
Djone made it 2-2 but Erick Weeks Lewis on 70' and Widodo on 81' gave Persiwa the points.
At the top it's a Papua 1-2.
1. Persiwa 8 16
2. Persipura 8 15
The visitors took the lead on 29' when Lubis Sukur scored but ot was short lived and two goals within three minutes put the Highlanders in the lead. Chaoui and Romaropen getting them.
Djone made it 2-2 but Erick Weeks Lewis on 70' and Widodo on 81' gave Persiwa the points.
At the top it's a Papua 1-2.
1. Persiwa 8 16
2. Persipura 8 15
Independence Cup Kicks Off
Indonesia's first Independence Cup since 2000 kicks off tonight at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Six teams are competing for the 67,000 USD prize money; Indonesia, Libya, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar and Indonesia B.
Tonight sees two games. The first kicks off at 6.30 pm while the second starts at 9.15.
18.30 - Indonesia B v Brunei
21.15 - Indonesia v Cambodia
Ticket prices are from 25,000 - 100,000 trupiah and will be available on the day.
Tonight sees two games. The first kicks off at 6.30 pm while the second starts at 9.15.
18.30 - Indonesia B v Brunei
21.15 - Indonesia v Cambodia
Ticket prices are from 25,000 - 100,000 trupiah and will be available on the day.
Football's Coming Home
After being dicked around all season three of Indonesia's nomadic clubs, Persita, Persitara and PSMS are being allowed to return to their home cities.
Persita can use the Benteng Stadium, PSMS their own stadium in Medan while Persitara must use Lebak Bulus.
Having spent the last few weeks playing far from home one wonders whether they can claim their expenses back from the ISL?
Persita can use the Benteng Stadium, PSMS their own stadium in Medan while Persitara must use Lebak Bulus.
Having spent the last few weeks playing far from home one wonders whether they can claim their expenses back from the ISL?
Indonesia Added to Merdeka Cup?
After an ISL meeting on Tuesday it was announced the League will have a two or three week break during October to allow the national side to compete in the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia.
Typical stop start season here. Start July, stop August, start September, stop October, start late October stop December, start January...
If Indonesia are taking part in KL then as far as I can make out that brings to four the nations involved. Malaysia, one would assume, and Vietnam alongside Bangladesh as reported the other day.
Typical stop start season here. Start July, stop August, start September, stop October, start late October stop December, start January...
If Indonesia are taking part in KL then as far as I can make out that brings to four the nations involved. Malaysia, one would assume, and Vietnam alongside Bangladesh as reported the other day.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Top of the League
Persipura have done a most unusual thing for a team in their position. Despite being top of the ISL they have only gone and sacked their Malaysian coach Raja Isa.
Apparently he had an altercation with a club official.
As ever Jacksen Tiago, former Persebaya, Persiter and Persita coach, currently with Persitara, is linked with the vacancy.
Apparently he had an altercation with a club official.
As ever Jacksen Tiago, former Persebaya, Persiter and Persita coach, currently with Persitara, is linked with the vacancy.
Persisam Goal Fest (Part 2)
Days after thrashing Persikota 6-1 the side from East Borneo were at it again. This time they beat Persikad 6-0. Hernan Ortiz scored twice while Ilham Jayakesuma, Kurniawan DY, Jardel Santana and Fachruddin got the others.
They are unsuprisingly top of the table thanks to a healthy goal difference..
1. Persisam 4 2 1 0 14-4 7
2. PSSB 3 2 1 0 5-1 7
3. Mitra Kukar 4 2 1 1 4-2 7
They are unsuprisingly top of the table thanks to a healthy goal difference..
1. Persisam 4 2 1 0 14-4 7
2. PSSB 3 2 1 0 5-1 7
3. Mitra Kukar 4 2 1 1 4-2 7
Top Corner Needs Photographs
South East Asia's only show that covers South East Asian football is back on Star Sports at 6pm Indonesian/Thai time every Tuesday.
As ever they will show highlights of games from the region.
This time round they also want to feature photographs people have taken at games. I know that many fans, especially here in Indonesia, don't have any cable TV but if you have some pictures of your Supporters' Club or your team in action then contact me and I will tell you what to do next.
This is a great oportunity to show Star Sports the vitality of the game in this region at a grass roots level...
After all, we don't get the English game anymore!!!
As ever they will show highlights of games from the region.
This time round they also want to feature photographs people have taken at games. I know that many fans, especially here in Indonesia, don't have any cable TV but if you have some pictures of your Supporters' Club or your team in action then contact me and I will tell you what to do next.
This is a great oportunity to show Star Sports the vitality of the game in this region at a grass roots level...
After all, we don't get the English game anymore!!!
Merdeka Cup
For ages the Malaysian FA website has been announcing the Merdeka Cup which this year will take place in October. What is harder to ascertain is who will be participating.
Sterling detective work by some of the guys on the Kallang Roar message board has come up with this.
It looks like Bangladesh and Vietnam will be two of the teams taking part if the stories are correct.
My question is this. Why does it take some fans to provide this information? Why haven't the FA done it themselves?
Sterling detective work by some of the guys on the Kallang Roar message board has come up with this.
It looks like Bangladesh and Vietnam will be two of the teams taking part if the stories are correct.
My question is this. Why does it take some fans to provide this information? Why haven't the FA done it themselves?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Singapore Cup Semi Finals
This week sees the Singapore Semi Finals take centre stage on the city state. Over the last couple of nights the big 4 in the SLeague, Super Rds, SAF, Home and Tampines have been cighting it out for the semis with SAF and Tampines winning through.
Thursday sees Wellington Woodlands take on Young Lions in the first leg while Friday night has SAF hosting Tampines Rovers.
Last season of course SAF won the Singapore Cup while Woodlands won the League Cup.
Second leg ties will be played next week.
Thursday sees Wellington Woodlands take on Young Lions in the first leg while Friday night has SAF hosting Tampines Rovers.
Last season of course SAF won the Singapore Cup while Woodlands won the League Cup.
Second leg ties will be played next week.
Persipura Go Top
The Black Pearls from Jayapura comfortably brushed past Persita winning 3-0. Two goals from Boaz Solassa and one from defender Ricardo Salempessy did the trick.
Arema returned to winning ways under their new coach Gusnul Yakin, inflicting PSM's first defeat of the season 2-0. Mbamba and Serge did the damage.
After losing their last two games Sriwijaya needed three points badly and got them when they defeated Persiba 2-1. The hosts took the lead through Zandonaide on 13' but two goals from last season's player of the year, Zah Rahman, gave the champions the points and deepened Persiba coach Peter Butler's woes.
Persiwa showed they are a tough nut to crack in Wamena as they beat Persijap 1-0 while n the other game PSMS got a rare point, drawing 0-0 at PKT.
Standings
1. Persipura 8 4 3 1 12-5 15
2. Persija 5 4 1 0 11-5 13
3. Arema 6 4 1 1 8-3 13
4. Persiwa 7 4 1 2 12-8 13
5. Persela 7 4 1 2 9-8 13
Top Scorers
8 - Gonzales (Persik)
5 - Sousa (Persela), Musafry (Persiba)
Arema returned to winning ways under their new coach Gusnul Yakin, inflicting PSM's first defeat of the season 2-0. Mbamba and Serge did the damage.
After losing their last two games Sriwijaya needed three points badly and got them when they defeated Persiba 2-1. The hosts took the lead through Zandonaide on 13' but two goals from last season's player of the year, Zah Rahman, gave the champions the points and deepened Persiba coach Peter Butler's woes.
Persiwa showed they are a tough nut to crack in Wamena as they beat Persijap 1-0 while n the other game PSMS got a rare point, drawing 0-0 at PKT.
Standings
1. Persipura 8 4 3 1 12-5 15
2. Persija 5 4 1 0 11-5 13
3. Arema 6 4 1 1 8-3 13
4. Persiwa 7 4 1 2 12-8 13
5. Persela 7 4 1 2 9-8 13
Top Scorers
8 - Gonzales (Persik)
5 - Sousa (Persela), Musafry (Persiba)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Selangor v Kedah
This Saturday's Malaysia Cup final pits Selangor v Kedah at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. It also sees the final games in Malaysia for players like Marlon Alex James, Bernard Huggins and Frank Seator because next season sees no foreign players allowed.
Kedah have their second consecutive treble on their minds while Selangor have won this prestigious more than any other side.
Tickets cost 20 RM and go on sale on Thursday. Expect a bumper crowd and buzzing atmosphere.
You know, in an ideal world, I would take in the Independence Cup here in Jakarta on Friday, fly to KL on the Saturday morning for this game then return the next day and see Persikota in the Premier League.
But I don't live in an ideal world. I live in la la land. I'll watch the Independence Cup on TV, get shit faced on Saturday at the pub and miss the Persikota game 'cos I'll have my head stuck down the porcelain piece in the dunny.
Kedah have their second consecutive treble on their minds while Selangor have won this prestigious more than any other side.
Tickets cost 20 RM and go on sale on Thursday. Expect a bumper crowd and buzzing atmosphere.
You know, in an ideal world, I would take in the Independence Cup here in Jakarta on Friday, fly to KL on the Saturday morning for this game then return the next day and see Persikota in the Premier League.
But I don't live in an ideal world. I live in la la land. I'll watch the Independence Cup on TV, get shit faced on Saturday at the pub and miss the Persikota game 'cos I'll have my head stuck down the porcelain piece in the dunny.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Persela Go Second
Sorry PSIS lost again yesterday, 2-0 against Persela thanks to two more goals from Brazilian import Marcio Souza.
In yesterday's other game Persitara's recent fine form against Persib came to an end as they lost 2-0 at an empty Siliwangi Stadium.
Two straight wins for the Bandung side means coach Jaya Hartono can breathe a bit easier. Football, thou art truly a fickle mistress.
Second half goals from Bastos and Moreira done the deed and Persib rise to 9th.
In yesterday's other game Persitara's recent fine form against Persib came to an end as they lost 2-0 at an empty Siliwangi Stadium.
Two straight wins for the Bandung side means coach Jaya Hartono can breathe a bit easier. Football, thou art truly a fickle mistress.
Second half goals from Bastos and Moreira done the deed and Persib rise to 9th.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Super Reds
A twist in the SLeague.
Just when it seemed that SAF had the SLeague for the taking they go and slip up in the last three games allowing Home United and Super Reds to catch up. Home lost to Tampines the other night meaning all the Korean side had to do last night was beat Dalian Shide and they would go top.
They did, 3-0, with goals from Seo Su Jong 19' and two from Park Kang Jin 33',50'.
Two thirds of the way through the season and things are finely balanced.
1. Super Reds 22 17 2 3 46-21 53
2. SAF 22 16 4 2 60-22 52
3. Home 16 2 4 50-21 50
Just when it seemed that SAF had the SLeague for the taking they go and slip up in the last three games allowing Home United and Super Reds to catch up. Home lost to Tampines the other night meaning all the Korean side had to do last night was beat Dalian Shide and they would go top.
They did, 3-0, with goals from Seo Su Jong 19' and two from Park Kang Jin 33',50'.
Two thirds of the way through the season and things are finely balanced.
1. Super Reds 22 17 2 3 46-21 53
2. SAF 22 16 4 2 60-22 52
3. Home 16 2 4 50-21 50
Persija Battle for Draw
Shorn of the midfield talents of Robertinho and Greg Nwokolo Persija struggled against a well organised Pelita Jaya side that proved hard to unlock.
Persija took the lead through new signing Ade Suhendra with a 30 yard drive but Pelita Jaya equalised early in the second half through Eduardo.
At one stage during the game Fandi Ahmad's side had recorded six corners but they were still one down.
In the secon half for something like 25 minutes they had Persija, nominally if not geographically, the home side, penned in their own half and their young keeper Agus Dian Prasetya was as much a spectator as the hundreds of noisy Persija fans.
However it is in front of goal that must cause Fandi some concern. Few clear cut chances came their way and when they did, example a free header in the first half, the finishing was wayward.
Pelita Jaya remain unbeaten this season, nine points from five games, but until they can turn their possession into goals they are likely to remain a bogey side rather than one with the potential to challnge for the ISL.
For Persija this was a good test of their strengths and they were lucky to come through unscathed.
1. Persija 5 4 1 011-5 13
2. Persipura 7 3 2 1 9-5 12
3. PSM 5 3 2 0 9-4 11
4. Persik 7 3 2 2 13-8 11
Persija took the lead through new signing Ade Suhendra with a 30 yard drive but Pelita Jaya equalised early in the second half through Eduardo.
At one stage during the game Fandi Ahmad's side had recorded six corners but they were still one down.
In the secon half for something like 25 minutes they had Persija, nominally if not geographically, the home side, penned in their own half and their young keeper Agus Dian Prasetya was as much a spectator as the hundreds of noisy Persija fans.
However it is in front of goal that must cause Fandi some concern. Few clear cut chances came their way and when they did, example a free header in the first half, the finishing was wayward.
Pelita Jaya remain unbeaten this season, nine points from five games, but until they can turn their possession into goals they are likely to remain a bogey side rather than one with the potential to challnge for the ISL.
For Persija this was a good test of their strengths and they were lucky to come through unscathed.
1. Persija 5 4 1 011-5 13
2. Persipura 7 3 2 1 9-5 12
3. PSM 5 3 2 0 9-4 11
4. Persik 7 3 2 2 13-8 11
Friday, August 15, 2008
Musafry Back Among the Goals
The leading Indonesian striker this season thus far was back among the goals as Peter Butler's Persiba returned to winning ways this afternoon. They beat struggling PSMS 2-1.
In a turnip for the books Persijap went to Persipura and stole a 1-1 draw while in the pther games this afternoon Persik returned to winning ways beating Deltras 3-0.
Persija play Pelita Jaya in the late game while the game between Persiwa and Persita has been delayed a few days due to unrest in the area.
In a turnip for the books Persijap went to Persipura and stole a 1-1 draw while in the pther games this afternoon Persik returned to winning ways beating Deltras 3-0.
Persija play Pelita Jaya in the late game while the game between Persiwa and Persita has been delayed a few days due to unrest in the area.
Persisam Goal Riot
Down in the Indonesian Premier League yesterday Persisam thrashed Persikota 6-1 in Samarinda.
The East Kalimantan side have invested heavily in the hope of getting promoted to the ISL and yesterday the side from Tangerang, themselves 5-1 winners on Monday, were roundly tonked.
Two famous names were among the goals with Ilham Jayakusuma getting a hat trick and Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto also scoring one. Even Hernan Ortiz, formerly of PSIS and Persija, got on the score sheet.
Mostapa Aji scored for Persikota but then you would have guessed that wouldn't you?
Persisam lie 3rd with four points from three games while Persikota are 6th with the same points but a negative goal difference.
PSSB, whipping boys last season, lead with seven points from three games while Persiraja lie second on six points.
The East Kalimantan side have invested heavily in the hope of getting promoted to the ISL and yesterday the side from Tangerang, themselves 5-1 winners on Monday, were roundly tonked.
Two famous names were among the goals with Ilham Jayakusuma getting a hat trick and Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto also scoring one. Even Hernan Ortiz, formerly of PSIS and Persija, got on the score sheet.
Mostapa Aji scored for Persikota but then you would have guessed that wouldn't you?
Persisam lie 3rd with four points from three games while Persikota are 6th with the same points but a negative goal difference.
PSSB, whipping boys last season, lead with seven points from three games while Persiraja lie second on six points.
Persija Coming Home?
I understand tentative agreement has been reached for Persija to start playing their home games at Bung Karno.
Jakarta plod have agreed to them staging their games in the nations capital and discussions between the police, FA, Persija and their supporters club early in September will decide whether or not fans will be allowed into the stadium or not.
What's the bloody point of playing in Bung Karno if they don't allow fans inside the stadium anyway? Why not just do away with the fans and indeed the game and play on line instead?
Persija have yet to play a home game this season which of course affects their cash flow if not their performances.
Tonight the ISL leaders 'host' Pelita Jaya at Manahan Stadium in Solo. This will be their first 'home' game this season and it is believed a few hundred fans will make the long journey east by rail.
Jakarta plod have agreed to them staging their games in the nations capital and discussions between the police, FA, Persija and their supporters club early in September will decide whether or not fans will be allowed into the stadium or not.
What's the bloody point of playing in Bung Karno if they don't allow fans inside the stadium anyway? Why not just do away with the fans and indeed the game and play on line instead?
Persija have yet to play a home game this season which of course affects their cash flow if not their performances.
Tonight the ISL leaders 'host' Pelita Jaya at Manahan Stadium in Solo. This will be their first 'home' game this season and it is believed a few hundred fans will make the long journey east by rail.
White Swans Edge Goal Fest
Albirex Niigata last night defeated Woodlands Wellington 4-2 in the SLeague to cement mid table nothingness. A blitzkrieg (!) four goals in 21 minutes either side of half time did the damage.
Tonight Super Reds can go top. All they have to do is beat Dalian Shide at Jalan Besar.
Piece of piss...
Tonight Super Reds can go top. All they have to do is beat Dalian Shide at Jalan Besar.
Piece of piss...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Arema Opt for Familiarity
After sacking coach Bambang Nurdiansyah earlier in the season the Crazy Lions, as they are known, have gone and appointed Gusnul Yakin as their new coach.
This is about the 326th time Yakin has coached the Arema side in their 21 year history.
Ok, that's an exageration.
The 5th time.
But it's still alot. A very lot.
Mind you if the rumours regarding the salary are true I can't imagine there being too many applicants.
This is about the 326th time Yakin has coached the Arema side in their 21 year history.
Ok, that's an exageration.
The 5th time.
But it's still alot. A very lot.
Mind you if the rumours regarding the salary are true I can't imagine there being too many applicants.
Home Drop a Bollock
Remember how yesterday I said if Home United beat Tampines Rovers they would go top. Remember how I said it would be a piece of piss?
Well, it wasn't.
Tampines won 1-0 thanks to an own goal by Valery Hiek on 83' and the Casual hoodoo continues.
Earlier in the season I went to two of their home games and they contrived to lose both. Next I say it was easy for them to go top and this happens!
In all honesty I think we should also add the Top Corner hex as well. Tuesday night saw the return of the Star Sport's weekly look at South East Asian football and their first studio guest was ...
...the coach of Home United.
Well, it wasn't.
Tampines won 1-0 thanks to an own goal by Valery Hiek on 83' and the Casual hoodoo continues.
Earlier in the season I went to two of their home games and they contrived to lose both. Next I say it was easy for them to go top and this happens!
In all honesty I think we should also add the Top Corner hex as well. Tuesday night saw the return of the Star Sport's weekly look at South East Asian football and their first studio guest was ...
...the coach of Home United.
Kedah and Selangor Win
In last night's Malaysian Cup semi final first legs Kedah beat Terengganu 3-0 while Selangor overcame Johor 2-0. Kedah even missed a penalty.
A final between Kedah and Selangor perchance?
Second legs come later lah!
A final between Kedah and Selangor perchance?
Second legs come later lah!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Malaysia Cup Semi Finals
Kedah are just three games away from unprecedented back to back domestic trebles with Terengganu from the north east of the peninslula standing in their way.
Tonight sees the first leg at Stadium Darul Aman.
In the other semi Selangor face Johor at Shah Alam Stadium.
I guess the smart money is on a Selangor v Kedah final.
With Malaysia kicking out the foreigners for next season I thought a look at the leading scorers in this season's Cup might be instructive.
13 - Marlon Alex James (Kedah)
10 - Sasa Branezac (UPB MyTeam)
9 - Carlos Caceres (Perak)
8 - Hilary Echesa (PDRM), Frank Seator (Selangor) , Mohd Fadaly Baharom (Kedah).
Interestingly both Branezac and Seator seem to find scoring easier in Malaysia than they did in Indonesia. Both players have recently spend time in the island nation, most recently Branezac was with Deltras and Seator with Persis.
Tonight sees the first leg at Stadium Darul Aman.
In the other semi Selangor face Johor at Shah Alam Stadium.
I guess the smart money is on a Selangor v Kedah final.
With Malaysia kicking out the foreigners for next season I thought a look at the leading scorers in this season's Cup might be instructive.
13 - Marlon Alex James (Kedah)
10 - Sasa Branezac (UPB MyTeam)
9 - Carlos Caceres (Perak)
8 - Hilary Echesa (PDRM), Frank Seator (Selangor) , Mohd Fadaly Baharom (Kedah).
Interestingly both Branezac and Seator seem to find scoring easier in Malaysia than they did in Indonesia. Both players have recently spend time in the island nation, most recently Branezac was with Deltras and Seator with Persis.
Oh Dear
I was shocked to hear the FA here does have a marketing team. I know, I saw him one day. Perhaps they can explain this little conumdrum that comes from their own website and advertising
This of course refers to the upcoming Independence Cup. Six teams, two groups of three, winners and runners up go through to the semi final. Easy huh? Read on!
Group A Indonesia B v Brunei
Group B Indonesia A v Cambodia
Group A Cambodia v Myanmar
Group B Indonesia B v Libya
Group A Brunei v Libya
Group B Indonesia A v Myanmar
My maths may not be the best but I see five teams in Group A and five teams in Group B!
This schedule is also different, and messier, than the one I posted previously! I mean, how difficult cam it be to arrange 10 games?
This of course refers to the upcoming Independence Cup. Six teams, two groups of three, winners and runners up go through to the semi final. Easy huh? Read on!
Group A Indonesia B v Brunei
Group B Indonesia A v Cambodia
Group A Cambodia v Myanmar
Group B Indonesia B v Libya
Group A Brunei v Libya
Group B Indonesia A v Myanmar
My maths may not be the best but I see five teams in Group A and five teams in Group B!
This schedule is also different, and messier, than the one I posted previously! I mean, how difficult cam it be to arrange 10 games?
What Kind of Team Will Libya Send?
Thanks to Jonny on Kallang Roar for this heads up.
According to the FIFA website Libya have a pretty hectic schedule in August. The 20th sees them playing Senegal.
However according to the Independence Cup schedule Libya arrive in Indonesia on the 19th and their manager will be at the manager's meeting the next day!
On the 27th FIFA has Libya playing Niger while, here in la la land, we will be at the semi final stage that day and if they beat the likes of Brunei and Indonesia Under 23 you could see Libya.
If you're in and around Jakarta and fancy a game keep your boots handy!
According to the FIFA website Libya have a pretty hectic schedule in August. The 20th sees them playing Senegal.
However according to the Independence Cup schedule Libya arrive in Indonesia on the 19th and their manager will be at the manager's meeting the next day!
On the 27th FIFA has Libya playing Niger while, here in la la land, we will be at the semi final stage that day and if they beat the likes of Brunei and Indonesia Under 23 you could see Libya.
If you're in and around Jakarta and fancy a game keep your boots handy!
Indonesian FA Defend Independence Cup Quality
At a press conference yesterday the FA were forced to defend the quality of the upcoming Independence Cup.
Libya were once runners up in the African Cup of Nations but only when they hosted it while Cambodia and Brunei have had marginally less impact on the football stage than a three legged hedgehog.
There is a strong likelihood that Indonesia and Myanmar may meet up in the AFF Championship later this year while Cambodia and Brunei need to go through a qualifying round to reach that competition.
With many leagues round the world under way in August attracting any kind of quality was always going to be difficult, more so when you consider the budget the Indonesian FA works within.
It's positive that this thing is up and running again but perhaps the schedule needs revising? Yes August is Independence but when no bugger can come it ain't much of a celebration is it?
Perhaps just a four nation tournament in June, July or even December when Thailand host their King's Cup?
The other issue is playing at Bung Karno. The stadium holds 88,000 fans. Consider the crowd when Libya play Myanmar!
Surely a smaller venue would suffice?
Libya were once runners up in the African Cup of Nations but only when they hosted it while Cambodia and Brunei have had marginally less impact on the football stage than a three legged hedgehog.
There is a strong likelihood that Indonesia and Myanmar may meet up in the AFF Championship later this year while Cambodia and Brunei need to go through a qualifying round to reach that competition.
With many leagues round the world under way in August attracting any kind of quality was always going to be difficult, more so when you consider the budget the Indonesian FA works within.
It's positive that this thing is up and running again but perhaps the schedule needs revising? Yes August is Independence but when no bugger can come it ain't much of a celebration is it?
Perhaps just a four nation tournament in June, July or even December when Thailand host their King's Cup?
The other issue is playing at Bung Karno. The stadium holds 88,000 fans. Consider the crowd when Libya play Myanmar!
Surely a smaller venue would suffice?
SAFFC Held at Home
SAF dropped two more points yesterday as they were surprisingly held by Geylang United at their Choa Chu Kang Stadium. And they were made to work for that point.
Twice visitors Geylang took the lead and twice Alex Duric, on his 38th birthday, equalised.
Three players saw red in the last minute, two from SAF, as they sought desperately to put some distance between themselves and challengers Home United and Super Reds.
This draw means the Warriors have picked up just two points from their last three games and they lead both Home and Super Reds by two points having played a game more.
Tonight Home United have a chance to leapfrog SAF to top spot. All they have to do is beat Tampines Rovers.
Piece of piss!
Twice visitors Geylang took the lead and twice Alex Duric, on his 38th birthday, equalised.
Three players saw red in the last minute, two from SAF, as they sought desperately to put some distance between themselves and challengers Home United and Super Reds.
This draw means the Warriors have picked up just two points from their last three games and they lead both Home and Super Reds by two points having played a game more.
Tonight Home United have a chance to leapfrog SAF to top spot. All they have to do is beat Tampines Rovers.
Piece of piss!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Persija's Good Run
Persija's fine start to the season which has seen them win four straight games on the road has surprised many people.
Last season the Kemayoran Tigers could attack but were less successful in channeling back. Bambang and Aliyudin were a potent threat, the top scoring Indonesians in the League, but could be light weight and of Robertinho didn't get up in support they would be isolated.
At other times too many bodies would be caught up front and bodies were slow getting back.
New coach Danurwindo has addressed these issues by having the team play with more discipline as well as bringing in two new players who complement last season's squad.
Hamkah Hamza is a player who loves to get forward, perhaps one reason why Persik snapped him up, but he could be slow tracking back so he has been replaced by the experienced Cameroonian Pierre Njana who is settling in nicely alongside compatriot Herman Abanda.
Providing strength up front is naturalised Singaporean Greg Nwokolo who provides physical presence to Bambang and Aliyudin's mobility. With Robertinho adding guile form deep Persija's attacking potency comes all along the front line as well as late runs from the middle.
Persija of course have won nothing yet and most of their fans have yet to see them play, 170 made the trip to Palembang to see them beat Sriwijaya, but hopes are high, even at this early stage of the season, that this could be their season.
Last season the Kemayoran Tigers could attack but were less successful in channeling back. Bambang and Aliyudin were a potent threat, the top scoring Indonesians in the League, but could be light weight and of Robertinho didn't get up in support they would be isolated.
At other times too many bodies would be caught up front and bodies were slow getting back.
New coach Danurwindo has addressed these issues by having the team play with more discipline as well as bringing in two new players who complement last season's squad.
Hamkah Hamza is a player who loves to get forward, perhaps one reason why Persik snapped him up, but he could be slow tracking back so he has been replaced by the experienced Cameroonian Pierre Njana who is settling in nicely alongside compatriot Herman Abanda.
Providing strength up front is naturalised Singaporean Greg Nwokolo who provides physical presence to Bambang and Aliyudin's mobility. With Robertinho adding guile form deep Persija's attacking potency comes all along the front line as well as late runs from the middle.
Persija of course have won nothing yet and most of their fans have yet to see them play, 170 made the trip to Palembang to see them beat Sriwijaya, but hopes are high, even at this early stage of the season, that this could be their season.
Persitara Looking For First Win
Persitara are having a fun old season. To add to their woes the struggling side from North Jakarta opened the paper to see their coach, Jacksen Tiago, linked with a move to Arema Malang.
They still have to play some football though and this week sees them take on Persib Bandung, possibly at the Siliwangi Stadium after police gave the go ahead.
They will go into the game feeling lucky though having a good recent record against Maung Bandung as Persib.net shows.
Three wins and one draw in their last four league meetings will mean they go into the game full of confidence.
They still have to play some football though and this week sees them take on Persib Bandung, possibly at the Siliwangi Stadium after police gave the go ahead.
They will go into the game feeling lucky though having a good recent record against Maung Bandung as Persib.net shows.
Three wins and one draw in their last four league meetings will mean they go into the game full of confidence.
Mostapa Aji (Persikota)
Keep an eye on this name.
Last season he came into a struggling Persikota side and did something single handedly the team had failed to do all season. He scored goals.
I was surprised no ISL teams picked up on him for the coming season so he stayed with the Tangerang side and yesterday scored twice as helped Persikota beat Persih 5-2 to move second in the nascent IPL Western two points behind leaders Persiraja.
Last season he came into a struggling Persikota side and did something single handedly the team had failed to do all season. He scored goals.
I was surprised no ISL teams picked up on him for the coming season so he stayed with the Tangerang side and yesterday scored twice as helped Persikota beat Persih 5-2 to move second in the nascent IPL Western two points behind leaders Persiraja.
James Koko Lomell
The former PSMS Medan striker has been trying his luck in Belgium. Liberian Soccer website has the Liberian player trialling with Charleroi but their official site doesn't have him registered so i guess he didn't get taken on.
Wondered what had happened to him...
Wondered what had happened to him...
Oh Man! Seator Eyes Gulf Pay Out
What a bloody awful heading but hey?
Liberian striker Frank Seator has enjoyed a fruitful season in Malaysia where he has found goals easier to come by than he did in Indonesia.
Now with Malaysia deciding they don't need foreigners any more Seator must find a new club and rumour has it he is will head to Oman once Selangor have finished their Malaysia Cup campaign.
The 30 year old striker also spent time with Videoton in Hungary as well as Al Wakra in Qatar.
Liberian striker Frank Seator has enjoyed a fruitful season in Malaysia where he has found goals easier to come by than he did in Indonesia.
Now with Malaysia deciding they don't need foreigners any more Seator must find a new club and rumour has it he is will head to Oman once Selangor have finished their Malaysia Cup campaign.
The 30 year old striker also spent time with Videoton in Hungary as well as Al Wakra in Qatar.
Persiwa Go 4th
Persiwa Wamena are one of the surprises in this season's ISL. They finished in the top 4 last season on the Western Division but much was made of their strong home rcord where they won every game but one. Common wisdom said they struggle on the road.
Last night they beat Deltras 2-0 in Sidoarjo rather pissing on that theory. Goals from
Eddie Foday and Pieter Romaropen did the business and took the Highlanders to 4th.
This season's Deltras aren't a patch on last season's model so it remains to be seen how the Wamena side do against the top sides.
In the other game yesterday PSMS lost 1-0 at home to Persela with Dicky Firasat scoring on 69'.
Both Persiwa and Persela join Arema in 4th place on 10 points.
Last night they beat Deltras 2-0 in Sidoarjo rather pissing on that theory. Goals from
Eddie Foday and Pieter Romaropen did the business and took the Highlanders to 4th.
This season's Deltras aren't a patch on last season's model so it remains to be seen how the Wamena side do against the top sides.
In the other game yesterday PSMS lost 1-0 at home to Persela with Dicky Firasat scoring on 69'.
Both Persiwa and Persela join Arema in 4th place on 10 points.
Monday, August 11, 2008
ISL Standings
1. Persija 4 4 0 0 10-4 12
2. PSM 5 3 2 0 9-4 11
3. Persipura 6 3 2 1 8-4 11
4. Arema 5 3 1 1 6-3 10
Top Scorers
6 - Gonzales (Persik)
4 - Lopes (Pelita Jaya), Baretto, Lopez (PSM), Musyafri (Persiba)
2. PSM 5 3 2 0 9-4 11
3. Persipura 6 3 2 1 8-4 11
4. Arema 5 3 1 1 6-3 10
Top Scorers
6 - Gonzales (Persik)
4 - Lopes (Pelita Jaya), Baretto, Lopez (PSM), Musyafri (Persiba)
Michel Adolfo Souza
Never my favourite player Adolfo earned the gratitude of his coach at Persita Agus Suparman and his team mates by netting twice against PKT and earning his side their fourth point in two games.
The 26 year old Brazilian has been in Indonesia since 2002 when he first joined Gelora Putra Delta. He then joined Petrokimia Putra Gresik before moving to Deltras Sidoarjo where he stayed for 2004 and half of 2005 before joining Persebaya.
He moved out of his East Java comfort zone to sign for PSIM before moving on to Pelita Jaya for the latter half of 2007.
His bio shows him spending some time with PDRM in Malaysia before joining Persita in time for the ISL.
The 26 year old Brazilian has been in Indonesia since 2002 when he first joined Gelora Putra Delta. He then joined Petrokimia Putra Gresik before moving to Deltras Sidoarjo where he stayed for 2004 and half of 2005 before joining Persebaya.
He moved out of his East Java comfort zone to sign for PSIM before moving on to Pelita Jaya for the latter half of 2007.
His bio shows him spending some time with PDRM in Malaysia before joining Persita in time for the ISL.
Indonesia Premier League Weekend
Western Division
Persiraja v Mitra Kukar 2-0
PSAP v Persisam 1-1
Persikab v Persibat 4-2
Eastern Division
PSIM Yogyakarta v Persekabpas 1-0
Persiba v Persema 2-1
Persebaya v Gresik United 3-1
Perseman v Persibo 1-0
Persiraja v Mitra Kukar 2-0
PSAP v Persisam 1-1
Persikab v Persibat 4-2
Eastern Division
PSIM Yogyakarta v Persekabpas 1-0
Persiba v Persema 2-1
Persebaya v Gresik United 3-1
Perseman v Persibo 1-0
It's Only a Number
Attendance figures at the new all singing, all dancing professional ISL are still little more than conjecture. Witness yesterday's packed Jakabarang Stadium in Palembang for the Sriwijaya match with Persija. One paper says 20,000, another says 40,000. Pick a number lah.
Persitara had an impressive 486 fans witness their late show against Persik Kediri in Solo while Persebaya had an accurate sounding 5,235 for their local derby with Gresik United in the Premier League.
Persitara had an impressive 486 fans witness their late show against Persik Kediri in Solo while Persebaya had an accurate sounding 5,235 for their local derby with Gresik United in the Premier League.
SLeague Top Scorers
19 - Aleksander Duric (SAF)
18 - Kengne Ludovick (Home)
11 - Khairul Amri (Tampines) *
*Amri scored 10 of his goals with Young Lions.
18 - Kengne Ludovick (Home)
11 - Khairul Amri (Tampines) *
*Amri scored 10 of his goals with Young Lions.
Dolphins Rise
Sengkang Punggol's recent fine form continued last night when they drew 0-0 with Albirex Niigata at Hougang Stadium in a game marked by seven yellow cards.
The Dolphins have managed four points from their last three games and are four points clear of cellar dweller Balestier Khalsa who have 10 points from their 22 games.
The Dolphins have managed four points from their last three games and are four points clear of cellar dweller Balestier Khalsa who have 10 points from their 22 games.
Caceres Fancies Asia
Perak's leading goalscorer Carlos Caceres likes the lifestyle in South East Asia and hopes to stick around beyond the end of his contract with the Malaysian side.
The Malaysian FA's strange decision to ban foreigners from playing in the country next season means the Chilean needs to find a new club from the end of August and with 30 goals scored in all competitions so far you can be sure clubs in Singapore and Indonesia will be alerted to the 31 year old's availabilty.
His coach Steve Darby has been impressed by the mental strength shown by his leading scorer as he won sceptical fans over.
Darby said: "For a long period in the season he came under heavy criticism from a section of the hostile Perak crowd. It's a credit to his professionalism that he ignored the vindictive and often personal abuse and got on with his job of scoring goals. He was very close to returning to Chile at one point due to the aggressive abuse he and his family received, but the Perak players rallied around him as they realised his abilty to score goals was second to none and he was an excellent character as part of the team."
In the meantime Perak must face up to their AFC Cup challenge in September without their leading goalscorer.
The Malaysian FA's strange decision to ban foreigners from playing in the country next season means the Chilean needs to find a new club from the end of August and with 30 goals scored in all competitions so far you can be sure clubs in Singapore and Indonesia will be alerted to the 31 year old's availabilty.
His coach Steve Darby has been impressed by the mental strength shown by his leading scorer as he won sceptical fans over.
Darby said: "For a long period in the season he came under heavy criticism from a section of the hostile Perak crowd. It's a credit to his professionalism that he ignored the vindictive and often personal abuse and got on with his job of scoring goals. He was very close to returning to Chile at one point due to the aggressive abuse he and his family received, but the Perak players rallied around him as they realised his abilty to score goals was second to none and he was an excellent character as part of the team."
In the meantime Perak must face up to their AFC Cup challenge in September without their leading goalscorer.
Labels: Carlos Caceres Perak Malaysia
Sunday in ISL
PSM v Persipura 1-1 (Aras 29'; Jeremiah 60')
Persitara v Persik 2-2 (Tarkpor, Rivai; Gonzales 2)
Neither PSM nor Persipura could overhaul Persija at the top of the ISL after an absorbing first half in Makassar that saw the home side really take the game to the Black Pearls. No idea about second half as I fell asleep during half time.
Persitara scored two late goals to secure an unlikely draw at home to Persik.
Persitara v Persik 2-2 (Tarkpor, Rivai; Gonzales 2)
Neither PSM nor Persipura could overhaul Persija at the top of the ISL after an absorbing first half in Makassar that saw the home side really take the game to the Black Pearls. No idea about second half as I fell asleep during half time.
Persitara scored two late goals to secure an unlikely draw at home to Persik.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thriller in Palembang
Against all the odds Persija maintained their 100% record and moved to the top of the ISL, at least for a couple of hours, after a hard fought victory against Sriwijaya at Jakabaring Stadium.
In truth Persija weren't at their best with sloppy passing at the back handing the inititative to double winners Sriwijaya. It was a surprise then when they took the lead through Greg Nwkolo. Minutes earlier, in one of many odd refereeing decisions, Hendro Kartiko was yellow carded for wasting time.
Second half saw the hosts pen Persija in their own half and roared on by a passionate full house you felt there would only be one winner.
A penalty enraged the whole Persija team with captain Bambang Pamungkas leading the protests and getting a yellow for his trouble. Keith Kayamba made no mistake from the spot and it was 1-1.
Sriwijaya kept pressing but with injury time winding down former Cameroonian international Pierre Njanka sent a long ball forward that will have Sriwijaya coach Rahmad Darmawan shaking his head for the rest of the season.
Goalie Dede, replacing Ferry Rotinsulu, and defender left the bouncing ball for each other and a gleeful Nwokolo prodded the free ball over the line.
In difficult circumstances Persija escaped with three points after a below par performance against a tough team and they now lead the ISL with 12 points from four games.
As well as Bambang and Hendro, Nwokolo was booked for simulation, sorry diving, while Herman Abanda, Leo Saputra and someone else saw yellow.
In truth Persija weren't at their best with sloppy passing at the back handing the inititative to double winners Sriwijaya. It was a surprise then when they took the lead through Greg Nwkolo. Minutes earlier, in one of many odd refereeing decisions, Hendro Kartiko was yellow carded for wasting time.
Second half saw the hosts pen Persija in their own half and roared on by a passionate full house you felt there would only be one winner.
A penalty enraged the whole Persija team with captain Bambang Pamungkas leading the protests and getting a yellow for his trouble. Keith Kayamba made no mistake from the spot and it was 1-1.
Sriwijaya kept pressing but with injury time winding down former Cameroonian international Pierre Njanka sent a long ball forward that will have Sriwijaya coach Rahmad Darmawan shaking his head for the rest of the season.
Goalie Dede, replacing Ferry Rotinsulu, and defender left the bouncing ball for each other and a gleeful Nwokolo prodded the free ball over the line.
In difficult circumstances Persija escaped with three points after a below par performance against a tough team and they now lead the ISL with 12 points from four games.
As well as Bambang and Hendro, Nwokolo was booked for simulation, sorry diving, while Herman Abanda, Leo Saputra and someone else saw yellow.
Labels: Persija Sriwijaya
Top of the Table Clash in ISL
Today sees Persipura make the relatively short journey, for them, to the island of Sulawesi to take on PSM at Andi Mattalatta Stadium, Makassar. Both sides have 10 points but the hosts have a game in hand.
It looks like PSM maybe without combatitive midfield player Syamsul but with Aldo Baretto and Julio Lopez having netted eight goals between them and Claudio Pronetto providing the guile from midfield this side looks to have more quality than last season.
Perspiura are of course packed with quality; so much so it looks like Boaz Salossa is in for some more bench time as coach Raja Isa goes with Alberto Goncalves and Ernest Jeremiah up front.
Cracking game in store Gromit but it ain't on TV! (Yes it is!)
Sriwijaya play Persija and this game is on live. Persija are the only side with a 100% record this season while Sriwijaya will be worried about a defence that has conceded four goals at home in their three games.
The other game sees Persitara take on Persik at Manahan Stadium in Solo. The North Jakarta side have just one point from their five games this season and rumours are rife their coach Jacksen F Tiago could be on his way out.
Persik are of course great fun but they will be hoping for a greatly improved performance this time out after they fell 3-1 against Persib. Inspirational captain Danilo Pernando returns after a two match suspension.
It looks like PSM maybe without combatitive midfield player Syamsul but with Aldo Baretto and Julio Lopez having netted eight goals between them and Claudio Pronetto providing the guile from midfield this side looks to have more quality than last season.
Perspiura are of course packed with quality; so much so it looks like Boaz Salossa is in for some more bench time as coach Raja Isa goes with Alberto Goncalves and Ernest Jeremiah up front.
Cracking game in store Gromit but it ain't on TV! (Yes it is!)
Sriwijaya play Persija and this game is on live. Persija are the only side with a 100% record this season while Sriwijaya will be worried about a defence that has conceded four goals at home in their three games.
The other game sees Persitara take on Persik at Manahan Stadium in Solo. The North Jakarta side have just one point from their five games this season and rumours are rife their coach Jacksen F Tiago could be on his way out.
Persik are of course great fun but they will be hoping for a greatly improved performance this time out after they fell 3-1 against Persib. Inspirational captain Danilo Pernando returns after a two match suspension.
Some Recent Scores
I've not had the best internet access recently hence little coverage of the game so here are the missing results.
SLeague
06/08 Dalian Shide v Young Lions 1-1 (Zhang Depeng 68'; Fairoz Hasan 63')
07/08 Tampines v Super Reds 2-3 Khairul Amri 20', Rafi Ali 45';Oh Ddog Yi 45', Moon Soon Ho 54', Joo Ki Hwan 64')
08/08 Balestier Khalsa v Gombak United 1-0 (Kingsley 70' pen)
1. SAF 21 16 3 2 58-20 51
2. Home 21 16 2 3 50-20 50
3. Super Reds 21 16 2 3 43-21
Indonesian Super League
09/08 Persijap v Persiba 5-1
09/08 Persita v PKT Bontang 2-2
1. PSM 4 3 1 0 8-3 10
2. Persipura 5 3 1 1 7-3 10
3. Arema 5 3 1 1 6-3 10
4. Persija 3 3 0 0 8-3 9
5. Persijap 5 3 0 2 9-5 9
Malaysian Cup
06/08 Selangor v PDRM 0-0
06/08 Terengganu v Perlis 0-0
06/08 Kedah v Perak 3-0
06/08 UPB MyTeam v Johor 3-1
Thai Premier League
09/08 KTB v Tobacco Monopoly 1-2
09/08 Army v PEA 0-1
09/08 Bangkok University v Osotspa 2-2
09/08 Port v Bang Phra 0-0
09/08 Chonburi v Nakorn Pathom 0-0
09/08 Bangkok Bank v BEC Tero 1-1
09/08 Samut Songkram v Sinthana 2-0
1. PEA 20 13 3 4 21-11 42
2. Chonburi 20 10 9 1 23-9 39
3. BEC Tero 20 11 4 5 37-20 37
4. TOT 19 9 6 4 23-16 33
SLeague
06/08 Dalian Shide v Young Lions 1-1 (Zhang Depeng 68'; Fairoz Hasan 63')
07/08 Tampines v Super Reds 2-3 Khairul Amri 20', Rafi Ali 45';Oh Ddog Yi 45', Moon Soon Ho 54', Joo Ki Hwan 64')
08/08 Balestier Khalsa v Gombak United 1-0 (Kingsley 70' pen)
1. SAF 21 16 3 2 58-20 51
2. Home 21 16 2 3 50-20 50
3. Super Reds 21 16 2 3 43-21
Indonesian Super League
09/08 Persijap v Persiba 5-1
09/08 Persita v PKT Bontang 2-2
1. PSM 4 3 1 0 8-3 10
2. Persipura 5 3 1 1 7-3 10
3. Arema 5 3 1 1 6-3 10
4. Persija 3 3 0 0 8-3 9
5. Persijap 5 3 0 2 9-5 9
Malaysian Cup
06/08 Selangor v PDRM 0-0
06/08 Terengganu v Perlis 0-0
06/08 Kedah v Perak 3-0
06/08 UPB MyTeam v Johor 3-1
Thai Premier League
09/08 KTB v Tobacco Monopoly 1-2
09/08 Army v PEA 0-1
09/08 Bangkok University v Osotspa 2-2
09/08 Port v Bang Phra 0-0
09/08 Chonburi v Nakorn Pathom 0-0
09/08 Bangkok Bank v BEC Tero 1-1
09/08 Samut Songkram v Sinthana 2-0
1. PEA 20 13 3 4 21-11 42
2. Chonburi 20 10 9 1 23-9 39
3. BEC Tero 20 11 4 5 37-20 37
4. TOT 19 9 6 4 23-16 33
Independence Cup 2008
After a little flurry of excitement when the Indonesian FA website anounced a couple of Argentinian sides were on their way, (the page was quickly pulled down!), the schedule has been finalised for the first Independence Cup to be held in Indonesia since the last one.
As you can see everything is being done to maximise attendances after a feeble 2 or 3 thousand turned up for the recent friendly with the New Zealand Olympic side.
All games will be held at Bung Karno Stadium with the first game kicking off at 6.30 and the second at 9.15.
21/08 Indonesia U23 v Cambodia, Libya v Myanmar
22/08 Myanmar v Indonesia, Cambodia v Brunei
25/08 Indonesia U23 v Brunei, Indonesia v Libya
27/08 Semi Finals
29/08 Finals
Notice how no games are scheduled for the weekend. Smart move that. I mean I for one relish the opportunity of watching Libya play Myanmar knowing that it won't finish till after 11 and I won't get home till after 12 and I have work the next day.
And playing in front of an empty Bung Karno under lights just looks and sounds so impressive.
No ticket details yet but somehow I don't think any game will sell out.
Still, credit to the FA for dusting off this competition and let's hope it becomes an annual event. Perhaps featuring less teams but more quality next time though, eh?
As you can see everything is being done to maximise attendances after a feeble 2 or 3 thousand turned up for the recent friendly with the New Zealand Olympic side.
All games will be held at Bung Karno Stadium with the first game kicking off at 6.30 and the second at 9.15.
21/08 Indonesia U23 v Cambodia, Libya v Myanmar
22/08 Myanmar v Indonesia, Cambodia v Brunei
25/08 Indonesia U23 v Brunei, Indonesia v Libya
27/08 Semi Finals
29/08 Finals
Notice how no games are scheduled for the weekend. Smart move that. I mean I for one relish the opportunity of watching Libya play Myanmar knowing that it won't finish till after 11 and I won't get home till after 12 and I have work the next day.
And playing in front of an empty Bung Karno under lights just looks and sounds so impressive.
No ticket details yet but somehow I don't think any game will sell out.
Still, credit to the FA for dusting off this competition and let's hope it becomes an annual event. Perhaps featuring less teams but more quality next time though, eh?
Labels: Indonesia Independence Cup 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Persitara Lose
They've been out the headlines recently but in their third home game of the season, at their second stadium, the Laskar Si Pitung lost 2-0 against Arema who recently sacked their coach Bambang Nurdiansyah.
Five defeats this season for the side from North Jakarta, deep in debt, the future doesn't look too rosy and by playing in Solo there will be little in the way of gate reciepts for them to look forward to.
At least their coach, Jacksen Tiago, has won the championship before, with Persebaya. Indeed he was the last foreign coach to win it. I bet you any money he won't win it this season. At least with Persitara!
Five defeats this season for the side from North Jakarta, deep in debt, the future doesn't look too rosy and by playing in Solo there will be little in the way of gate reciepts for them to look forward to.
At least their coach, Jacksen Tiago, has won the championship before, with Persebaya. Indeed he was the last foreign coach to win it. I bet you any money he won't win it this season. At least with Persitara!
Bobotoh Welcome Their Heroes
Persib's fans are known as bobotoh and they have been in the news for the wrong reasons this season after the riot that marred their last home game.
Their side have hardly set the league alight this season with three straight defeats but on Tuesday they beat Persik 3-1 in a home game played in Solo before an empty stadium.
What did this victory mean to those fans? Check out these pictures!
Their side have hardly set the league alight this season with three straight defeats but on Tuesday they beat Persik 3-1 in a home game played in Solo before an empty stadium.
What did this victory mean to those fans? Check out these pictures!
Persija's Winning Run Continues
Last night in Semarang far from any prying eyes Persija showed their recent enforced break hadn't done them any harm as they beat PSMS 2-0 with goals from Bambang and Robertinho.
The Jak have nine points from three games, all away, and lie a point behind Persipura
The Jak have nine points from three games, all away, and lie a point behind Persipura
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
PSM Go Top
PSM joined Persipura at the top of the ISL last night after defeating Persiwa 2-1 in Makassar after coming from a goal down.
Persipura surprising lost their first game of the season, going 1-0 down at Deltras.
After bigging up Persik over the last few days they showed the inconsistency of last season hasn't gone away losing 3-1 away to Persib in front of nil fans.
In other games Sriwijaya came from behind to beat Persela 2-1 at home while Persijap beat PKT 1-0
Standings:
1. PSM 4 3 1 0 10pts
2. Persipura 5 3 1 1 10
3. Pelita Jaya 4 2 2 0 8
Persipura surprising lost their first game of the season, going 1-0 down at Deltras.
After bigging up Persik over the last few days they showed the inconsistency of last season hasn't gone away losing 3-1 away to Persib in front of nil fans.
In other games Sriwijaya came from behind to beat Persela 2-1 at home while Persijap beat PKT 1-0
Standings:
1. PSM 4 3 1 0 10pts
2. Persipura 5 3 1 1 10
3. Pelita Jaya 4 2 2 0 8
Homing In
Home United moved to within one point of leaders SAF last night after beating Balestier Khalsa 1-0 thanks to Kengne Ludovick.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Persebaya Lose at Home!
In the first round of fixtures in the second tier Indonesian Premier League Persebaya, who have invested big time pre season, lost 2-1 at home to Persibo Bojonegoro
PSDS 1 - 1 Semen Padang
PSSB 1 - 0 PSP
Persebaya 1 - 2 Persibo
Perseman 2 - 1 Gresik United
Today sees the following fixtures:
Persiraja v Persisam
PSAP v Mitra Kukar
PSIM v Persema
Persiba v Persekabpas
PSDS 1 - 1 Semen Padang
PSSB 1 - 0 PSP
Persebaya 1 - 2 Persibo
Perseman 2 - 1 Gresik United
Today sees the following fixtures:
Persiraja v Persisam
PSAP v Mitra Kukar
PSIM v Persema
Persiba v Persekabpas
