Arema FC Immediately Focuses On The 2024 President's Cup Final

Arema FC against Persis Solo in the semifinals of the 2024 Presidential Cup at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Gonang Susatyo)

Arema FC stepped into the 2024 presidential Cup final after eliminating Persis Solo by beating his opponent 2-0. The team did not dare and immediately focused on facing Borneo FC in the top match at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Arema FC shows maximum performance despite playing under pressure. Yes, Persis is like playing at home because Solo hosts the semifinals and finals of the President's Cup.

Persis pun mendapat dukungan dari suporter saat menghadapi Arema FC. Sementara, Aremania, pendukung Arema FC, tak bisa datang ke Solo. Meski menghadapi tim dengan dukungan suporter, namun Arema FC tetap tampil tenang.

Joel Cornelli's team was able to reduce Persis' offensive game. Even the team nicknamed Singo Edan played below or focused more on defense because Persis played openly so that they were superior in possession of the ball.

"During the first 15 minutes, Persis played very well. They put pressure on us to survive," said Cornelli.

The change in strategy and the transfer of players in the second half are key. As a result, Arema FC managed to break into Persis' goal through two goals from Charles Lokoli Ngoy.

"After successfully holding Persis, we started playing attacking. In the second half, we were able to put pressure on so that we managed to score two goals," he said.

After getting rid of Persis and stepping into the presidential Cup final for the fourth time, Arema immediately prepared to face Borneo FC. Moreover, the team only had three days of preparation before appearing in the final.

"Borneo FC is an amazing team. They showed good performance. It will be a tough match," said Cornelli.

"I have to prepare the team as well as possible. There are still three days to prepare myself before facing Borneo FC," he said.

Borneo FC benefited slightly from the semifinal match the day before or Tuesday, July 30, 2024 evening WIB. Beating Persija Jakarta 2-1, they have a longer recovery time than Arema FC.