Bekasi, IO – Persija Jakarta grabbed its first win in League 1 this season after defeating Bhayangkara Presisi Indonesia FC with a score of 4-1 at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, Sunday (16/7).
As the host, Persija was stunned by the quick goal by Crislan Henrique Da Silva in the sixth minute. Lagging 0-1 prompted the “Kemayoran Tigers” to play aggressively. As a result, they were able to equalize at 1-1 in the 15th minute after Riko Simanjuntak’s hard kick could not be blocked by Awan Setho Raharjo. Three minutes later, Persija was awarded a penalty after Ryo Matsumura was wrongfully tackled in the penalty area. Marko Simic, as the executor, successfully carried out his duty and turned the score around to 2-1.
Leading with one goal, Kemayoran Tigers are not satisfied. The team coached by Thomas Doll continued to try to break through Bhayangkara’s defense through its two wing players, Matsumura and Riko Simanjuntak. Finally, in the 34th minute, Marko Simic managed to increase Persija’s advantage through his rocket kick after receiving a good pass from Witan Sulaeman, the score stayed 3-1 until halftime.
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In the second half, Bhayangkara FC became more daring to put pressure on Persija. But Kemayoran Tigers responded by strengthening its defense. Persija had several golden opportunities in the second half but failed to strike a goal. Persija widened its lead to 4-1 in the 74th minute. Witan Sulaeman’s cross was skillfully flicked by Arjunsyah into a goal shot.
(IO/Septo Kun Wijaya)