Persija’s Title Hopes Vanish, Persib Takes the Lead in Title Race

Kartininews.com - PERSIB Bandung continues to keep alive their chances of winning this season’s Super League. The victory came after they silenced Persija Jakarta 2-1 in Matchweek 32 at Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, on Sunday.

The three points lifted Persib Bandung to 75 points from 32 matches. Tom Haye and teammates regained a three-point lead over Borneo FC at the top of the Super League standings.

On the other hand, Persija Jakarta’s dream of becoming champions is now officially over. They are stuck in third place with 65 points from 32 matches and can no longer catch the teams above them with only two games remaining.

In the match itself, Persija — playing as the home team — took the lead first through a goal by Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the 20th minute. The Moroccan striker cut in from the left flank, beat several Persib defenders, and fired a low shot that beat Teja Paku Alam.

However, the Macan Kemayoran’s lead only lasted eight minutes. Maung Bandung equalized after Adam Alis capitalized on a defensive error by Persija. He stole the ball and immediately unleashed a shot that beat goalkeeper Carlos Eduardo.

After leveling the score, Persib’s players grew in confidence. In the 36th minute, Bojan Hodak’s team took the lead through Adam Alis’ second goal (brace).

Starting from a long pass by Thom Haye, Adam Alis escaped the offside trap, dribbled into the penalty area, and finished with an accurate shot. Persib went into halftime leading 2-1.

In the second half, Persija launched wave after wave of attacks to equalize. However, the Macan Kemayoran’s assaults repeatedly hit a solid wall. Teja Paku Alam’s excellent performance as the last line of defense was key. The score remained unchanged at 2-1 to Persib until the final whistle.

Line-ups:

Persija Jakarta (4-2-3-1):  

Carlos Eduardo; Paulo Ricardo (Fajar Fathurrahman 82’), Rizky Ridho, Donny Tri Pamungkas, Bruno Tubarao; Rayhan Hannan (Witan Sulaeman 67’), Fabio Calonego, Van Basty Sousa (Jordi Amat 63’), Allano de Souza; Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Eksel Runtukahu (Gustavo Almeida 63’)

Persib Bandung (4-2-3-1):  

Teja Paku Alam; Patricio Matricardi, Federico Barba, Frans Putros, Kakang Rudianto (Eliano Reijnders 61’); Luciano Guaycochea (Layvin Kurzawa 61’, Dedi Kusnandar 79’), Adam Alis, Thom Haye (Beckham Putra 74’), Berguinho, Uilliam Barros, Patrick Jung (Sergio Castel 74’).