After Defeating Dewa United 1-0, Borneo FC Replaces Persebaya from the Top of the League 1 Standings

Borneo FC players expressed their joy. (ANTARA/HO/Borneofc.id)

JAKARTA - Borneo FC managed to seize the top of the Liga 1 standings after winning 1-0 over their guests, Dewa United, in a match at Batakan Stadium, Balikpapan, Saturday.

The team nicknamed Pesut Etam is now at the top with a collection of 21 points. They have the same collection of points as the second-ranked team, Persebaya Surabaya, but Borneo has a superior goal difference of 10 goals scored and conceded, while Persebaya has a difference of four goals.

Meanwhile, for Dewa, their third defeat this season has left them stuck in 11th position with 11 points.

As the host, Borneo tried to press from the start. However, it was Dewa who had a good chance first, when Alfriyanto Nico's cross failed to be pounced on by Alex Martins.

Dewa's next chance also failed to result in a goal. Alex Martins became the executor of the free kick, which this time was thwarted by Borneo goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata.

Dewa was forced to play with ten players from the 31st minute. Alexis Messidoro's foul on Rivaldo Enero was reviewed by VAR, after which the referee decided to show the Argentine a red card.

Borneo could not maximize the advantage in the number of players. In fact, just before half time, their goal was threatened by Egy Maulana Vikri's free kick which was still wide. The first half ended with a score of 0-0.

Control of the game remained in Dewa's hands at the beginning of the second half. However, the team from Tangerang had difficulty creating dangerous opportunities.

Slowly, Borneo was able to take control of the game. A good opportunity was obtained when Rosembergne da Silva fired a shot from outside the penalty box, which still soared above the visiting team's goal.

The goal that broke the deadlock was only created in the 73rd minute. Rosembergne received a pass from Kei Hirose, and moved to cut in before he fired a hard shot that Dewa goalkeeper Sonny Stevens failed to anticipate. Borneo's narrow 1-0 advantage lasted until the long whistle sounded.