Also Andil In Persija Jakarta's Failure To Beat Arema FC, Andritany Doesn't Regret

Persija Jakarta goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa (right). (Photo via Antara)

BEKASI - Persija Jakarta failed to pick up three points when they hosted Arema FC at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, Sunday, August 20. The hosts had to settle for one point after drawing 2-2 against the caretaker team for Liga 1 2023/2024.

Arema FC's first goal in that match was arguably the error of the goalkeeper, Andritany Ardhiyasa. The player who is also the captain of the team made a fatal blunder so that Gustavo Almeida was able to score the equalizer goal.

When the goal in the 38th minute occurred, Andritany came out far enough from his goal to try to block Gustavo's movement. However, he failed and made it easier for the Brazilian to find the ball into an empty net.

"On the pitch, all that can happen. Anyone can be wrong, including me. But with what I do, I always give the best for the team. So I never regret it. In the future it will be a lesson," Andritany said at a press conference after the match.

This result extends Persija's record of failing to win to three consecutive matches, while keeping the Kemayoran Tigers stuck in ninth position. However, Andritany still believes his team will be able to compete until the end of the competition season.

"This league is long, we have just played in the eighth game and there are still many games going forward. Of course our target is to get into the playoffs and this is still a long time. This ball is not a 100 meter run, this is a marathon that must be consistent," said the Jakarta-born player, as reported by Antara.

After the match, a number of viewers who incidentally supported Persija ridiculed the performances of the players. The captain chose to interpret the ridicule as a sign of the fans' love for Persija.

"Surely they (fans) are disappointed. They came, supported us for 90 minutes. They paid for tickets and wanted to see us win. And I'm sure they will be loyal to us," said the 31-year-old.

Persija will next play an away match at Dewa United headquarters in the ninth week of Liga 1 2023/2024, Friday, August 25.