Madura United Secures League 1 Final Tickets After A Dramatic 3-2 Win Over Borneo FC

Balikpapan Madura United confirmed a ticket to the final of Liga 1 2023/2024 after winning a dramatic 3-2 victory over Borneo FC in the semifinal second leg at Batakan Stadium, Balikpapan, Sunday night, May 19. This victory made Laskar Sape Kerrap superior 4-2 on aggregate and will challenge Persib Bandung in the top match.

As a visiting team, Madura United actually controlled the game more in the early stages. Borneo FC was forced to hold on more when Madura relied on long balls from behind.

Borneo's first goal came in the 12th minute through Alfharezzi Buffon's header which received a cross from Leo Guntara. However, this advantage only lasted until the 19th minute when Dalberto Belo equalized with a header that passed goalkeeper Angga Saputro's reach.

Towards the end of the first half, VAR awarded Borneo a penalty after Cleberson was deemed to have violated Felipe Cadenazzi in the forbidden box. The Cadenazzi successfully executed the penalty and put Borneo ahead 2-1, making the temporary aggregate 2-2.

The second half started with a clash between the two teams. In the 58th minute, Malik Risaldi equalized to 2-2 by taking advantage of a through ball from Francisco Rivera. Ten minutes later, Malik scored again and gave Madura a 3-2 lead, as well as locking the 4-2 aggregate.

Borneo tried hard to reduce the gap, but despite having had several golden opportunities, they failed to score an additional goal. Finally, Borneo had to give up their position as regular season winners and were eliminated in the semifinals.

Borneo FC: Angga Saputro, Leo Guntara, Alfharezzi Buffon, Silverio Silva, Fajar Fathur Rahman, Hendro Siswanto, Adam Alis, Kei Hirose, Stefano Lilipaly, Terens Puhiri, Felipe Cadenazzi Coach: Pieter Huistra

Madura United: Lucas Frigeri, Koko Ari, Fachruddin, Cleberson, Alekvan Djin, Jacob Mahler, Francisco Rivera, Hugo Gomes, Abiyoso, Malik Risaldi, Dalberto Belo Coach: Rakhmat Basuki