Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Persebaya eye cup upset
It does seem odd suggesting that were IPL side Persebaya to defeat ISL side Persitara it would be an upset. But Persebaya are one of Indonesia's 'big' clubs, being one of just two sides to have won the title twice.
Persitara have always been there to make up the numbers. A fine run at the end of last season saw them surprise everyone as they squeezed into the ISL but they have struggled to make much of an impact and now could find themselves going down as Persebaya go up.
Cliche has it the Cup is a great leveller whatever that may mean. Persebaya aon the 1st leg 2-0 down in bandit country, Surabaya. But Persitara have some useful ammo of their own and at home they can be a match for most.
Unfortunately the 2nd leg is being played in Kuningan, a town in West Java between Cirebon and Bandung. This is Persib land and for sure Persitara's cross city rivals Persija would not be allowed within the province again. But Persitara are a bit like Fulham. No one really hates them.
A healthy following has made the long trek from Jakarta, don't these guys have jobs or go to school, to support their team but the first half has left them disappointed as they trail 1-0 at the break, the visitors taking the lead after an outrageous stepover at a free kick was followed by the net billowing and any away fans who made the journey cheering.
The pitch is a mess. Kuningan is out in the boonies and out in the hills, it gets more than enough rain thank you very much and the area in front of the dug outs is still flooded. But the sun is out and Persitara have got 45 minutes to overturn a three goal deficit.
5 minutes into the second half Rahmat Rivai equalises for Persitara after some nimble footwork in the penalty area. 1-1 (1-3 on aggregate)
On 54' Rahmat makes it 2-1 and Persitara are buzzing but within minutes midfielder Regi sees red for slapping a Persebaya player in the face.
But then on 63 minutes we''re all square when Prince makes it 3-1 (3-3 on aggregate but Persebaya have the away goal)
But they did it. A Bobby Satria header on the six yard line bounced off rahmat Rivai's knee and trickled into the back of the net. The great escape was complete!
Persitara v Persebaya 4-1 Rahmat Rivai 3, Prince Bello Kabir; ) Persitara win 4-3 on aggregate and meet Persijap in the quarter finals
Persitara have always been there to make up the numbers. A fine run at the end of last season saw them surprise everyone as they squeezed into the ISL but they have struggled to make much of an impact and now could find themselves going down as Persebaya go up.
Cliche has it the Cup is a great leveller whatever that may mean. Persebaya aon the 1st leg 2-0 down in bandit country, Surabaya. But Persitara have some useful ammo of their own and at home they can be a match for most.
Unfortunately the 2nd leg is being played in Kuningan, a town in West Java between Cirebon and Bandung. This is Persib land and for sure Persitara's cross city rivals Persija would not be allowed within the province again. But Persitara are a bit like Fulham. No one really hates them.
A healthy following has made the long trek from Jakarta, don't these guys have jobs or go to school, to support their team but the first half has left them disappointed as they trail 1-0 at the break, the visitors taking the lead after an outrageous stepover at a free kick was followed by the net billowing and any away fans who made the journey cheering.
The pitch is a mess. Kuningan is out in the boonies and out in the hills, it gets more than enough rain thank you very much and the area in front of the dug outs is still flooded. But the sun is out and Persitara have got 45 minutes to overturn a three goal deficit.
5 minutes into the second half Rahmat Rivai equalises for Persitara after some nimble footwork in the penalty area. 1-1 (1-3 on aggregate)
On 54' Rahmat makes it 2-1 and Persitara are buzzing but within minutes midfielder Regi sees red for slapping a Persebaya player in the face.
But then on 63 minutes we''re all square when Prince makes it 3-1 (3-3 on aggregate but Persebaya have the away goal)
But they did it. A Bobby Satria header on the six yard line bounced off rahmat Rivai's knee and trickled into the back of the net. The great escape was complete!
Persitara v Persebaya 4-1 Rahmat Rivai 3, Prince Bello Kabir; ) Persitara win 4-3 on aggregate and meet Persijap in the quarter finals
# posted by Me @ 4:06 PM 
