Thomas Doll Highlights Goals at Injury Time

Thomas Doll couldn't give a sweet gift on Persija's 95th anniversary (Instagram/@persija).

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta failed to get full points in the match against Bhayangkara FC at the Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi. Thomas Doll's equalizing goal scored during injury time became a sharp focus for Thomas Doll.

In the match which took place Monday, November 27 2023 evening, the Kemayoran Tigers were held to a 2-2 draw by Bhayangkara FC.

Before finally being forced to share points, Persija was able to recover after trailing 0-1 in the first half.

Persija turned things around to 2-1 towards the end of the second half. However, the three points that were in sight disappeared when Muhammad Ragil scored a goal for Bhayangkara in the 90+1 minute. The goal made the score 2-2 and lasted until the match was over.

After the hot match, Thomas Doll, Persija coach, did not hide his disappointment. He admitted that his team performed badly in the first half because they made many mistakes, including regarding positioning and opening up too much space in the back line.

"I wasn't happy (behind) in the first half because we had a long preparation. However, many mistakes happened," said Thomas Doll after the match.

The former Borussia Dortmund coach then regretted the failure of his players in not being able to maintain the rhythm and intensity of the game throughout the second half, especially when they were ahead.

The team's carelessness actually resulted in a reply goal from The Guardian, nicknamed Bhayangkara, in second half injury time.

"We could have scored two goals in the second half, but of course we could have also been better defensively, especially in the final minutes.”

“You have to be stronger in duels for the ball. Their (Bhayangkara players) strength is stronger in fighting for the ball. "Because of that, we could only pick up one point," said Doll.

This result, Thomas Doll admitted, was disappointing. The reason is, this is the first match after the two-week international break.

Before appearing again, Persija had spent at least more than a week preparing themselves for this match.

Apart from that, Thomas Doll was also disappointed because he failed to give a special gift to Persija Jakarta supporters, The Jakmania, on the Kemayoran Tigers' 95th birthday which falls on Tuesday 28 November 2023.

"Of course we are disappointed, we should be able to give good gifts to supporters," he concluded.