Jakarta, IO – Persija Jakarta won three points after a narrow 1-0 victory against Persebaya Surabaya in the League 1 match at Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK), Sunday (30/7).
Playing in front of tens of thousands of supporters, Persija Jakarta faced tough resistance from Persebaya from the onset. The team nicknamed Bajul Ijo appeared to press and dominate the match.
Entering the 15th minute, attacks by both sides ensued. They both had several golden opportunities but unfortunately they did not translate into goals. The duel was fierce, both teams played quite aggresively and clashes between players were inevitable.
In the 28th minute, Persebaya had to play with 10 players because Arief Catur Pamungkas was given red card by the referee after pulling Witan Sulaeman’s shirt, causing him to fall.
Read: The 2023 Indonesian Creative Work Exhibition
Given the advantage in the number of players, Persija finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through Ryo Matsumura’s kick. After receiving a pass from Witan Sulaeman, Ryo fired a shot into the left corner of the goal which the goal keeper Andhika Ramdhani failed to anticipate and save.
Until the referee blew the long whistle signaling the end of the game, there were no additional goals. Persija cruised to victory which lift it to the fifth place in the league with eight points.
(IO/Septo Kun Wijaya)