Persija Losing For The First Time At PSM Makassar Headquarters, Mauricio Souza: It's Hard To Score Goals

Persija coach, Mauricio Souza, highlighted the creativity of his foster children against PSM Makassar (doc. I-League).

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta's slick record must be tarnished in the sixth week of the 2025/2026 Super League. Visiting PSM Makassar headquarters, Kinds of Kemayoran even got their first defeat.

In the match which took place at Gelora BJ Habibie Stadium, Sunday, September 21, 2025, Persija lost to the host with a final score of 0-2.

Persija coach, Mauricio Souza, admits his team had great difficulty creating dangerous opportunities in front of the opponent's goal.

According to Souza, PSM managed to close Persija's playing space so that the attacks carried out by his foster children did not develop.

"We find it difficult to make something better on the field. So, the zone for finalization and creation to score goals is difficult," said Mauricio Souza in a statement after the match, quoted on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Another factor in defeat in this match, according to Souza, was because his team relied too much on long passes that were easily broken by PSM's back line. This situation then made Persija not easily penetrate the dangerous area of the opponent's defense.

"So, we made 90 percent of the ball away and they (Makassar PSM) took the opportunity to go through the dead ball near the penalty box."

"Don't wait for the opponent to make mistakes, then we will make something. So, they get a dead ball and then they can score goals," he said.

The Brazilian coach also highlighted the lack of creativity in his team's attack sector.

"We haven't been able to enter the Makassar PSM defense too much," he said.

The result at PSM Makassar became Persija's first defeat in the 2025/2026 Super League. The loss of three points also made Persija fail to return to the top of the standings.

Currently the Kemayoran Tigers are in second place with 11 points from six matches. While the top of the standings is Borneo FC which packs 12 points from four matches.