League Results 1: Drama And Controversy Color Persija Jakarta's Defeat To RANS Nusantara

Persija Jakarta lost in week 16 of Liga 1 2023/2024 when they hosted RANS Nusantara. (Photo: Twitter/@Persija_Jkt)

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta lost in the 16th week of Liga 1 2023/2024 when they hosted RANS Nusantara. Drama and controversy include the host's defeat.

Persija had to accept the harsh reality, starting from playing with 10 players to the referee's second goal.

The Kemayoran Tigers also fell 1-2 at home to RANS Nusantara at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi on Sunday, October 22 evening WIB.

RANS successfully surprised the Kemayoran Tigers who had appeared to attack from the start. The Phoenix stole the first goal when the game had only been running for 11 minutes.

The advantage of RANS has made Persija Jakarta troops increasingly close their defenses and sharpen attacks. Several opportunities were created for the Tigers, but until halftime there was no reply that the hosts were able to make.

After the break, Persija got a chance when the minute showed 53. At that time, Persija midfielder Riko Simanjuntak's hard kick from outside the penalty box went right into the goal but the visitors' goalkeeper, Hilman Syah, managed to block it.

Instead of being able to catch up, Persija was even beaten again by Rans in the 56th minute. Through Angelo's free kick which led right to the top left corner of Persija's goal, Almeida's troops won 2-0.

Two minutes later, Persija narrowed the gap. The score changed to 1-2 through Muhammad Ferarri's header which continued to pass Firza Andika's hull.

In the 74th minute, Persija defender Rizki Ridho got a second yellow card which resulted in a red card after violating Angelo in a corner. Persija's job is getting tougher because they have to play with 10 players when the situation is 1-2 behind Rans.

During injury time, Persija was actually able to break into the RANS goal through Witan Sulaeman's kick which hit the bar. The ball had actually crossed the RANS goal line, but the referee did not approve the goal because he was not observant about the situation.

This situation immediately became a controversy on the ground because from the replay it was very clear that Witan's kick ball had entered the Rans goal.

The efforts of the Kemayoran Tigers to provide explanations were not at all responded to by the referee who remained in his decision.

Thomas Doll's fleet then continues to try to take advantage of the remaining time to equalize. Unfortunately, no additional goals were created until the end of the game.