Di Bawah Guiuran Hujan, Arema FC Menang Tipis 1-0 Atas Persikabo

JAKARTA - Arema FC Malang narrowly won 1-0 over Persikabo 1973 in the continuation match of the 14th Premier League 1 season 2022/2023 at Manahan Stadium Solo, Central Java, Wednesday.

The match between Arema FC Malang and Persikabo was marked by pouring rain in the first half and the two teams attacked each other to get the full three points in the first round without spectators.

Launching Antara, Wednesday, Arema took the lead after an own goal occurred in the 31st minute, the goal started from Adam Alis' shot towards Persikabo's goal which was blocked by goalkeeper Diki Indriyana, but the ball hit the back number 9 player Yandi Sofyan's leg, and went into the net itself, changing the position to 1-0 for Arema.

Persikabo, who was one goal behind, increased the tempo of the game. Although Gilang Ginarsa and his friends had time to master the game, Persikabo's attack was not able to penetrate Arema's goal.

Persikabo had two golden opportunities through Bruno Dybal's header in the 43rd minute, but unfortunately the ball landed right in the arms of goalkeeper Arema Adilson Maringa. Another chance occurred in the last minute through Gustavo Tocantins' header and again the ball was blocked by Arema's goalkeeper. The 1-0 position for Arema lasted until the first half was over.

Entering the second half, both Arema and Persikabo maintain the tempo of the game. Persikabo continues to put pressure on equalizing, while Arema relies on a quick counter-attack through two wingers.

Persikabo continued to put pressure on Arema's defense, but Ryan Kurnia and Gilang Ginarsa's attacks were not able to penetrate Arema's defense. Even Arema goalkeeper Adilson Maringa, who played brilliantly, was able to save his goal several times.

Arema FC Malang got the only golden opportunity in the 60th minute through Evan Dimas' hard-kick, but unfortunately the ball fell right into the arms of Persikabo goalkeeper Diki Indriyana.

Until the referee who led the match, Choirudin, blew the long whistle signaling the second half was over, the position remained 1-0. The referee issued two Lucas Gama Haluno (Persikabo) and Renshi Yamaguchi (Arema FC) yellow cards.

Meanwhile Arema FC coach Javier Leopoldo Roca Sepulveda after the match said he was grateful that Arema got three points even though through an opposing player's own goal.

Arema, he said, had worked hard and many opportunities were created both in the first and second rounds.

Persikabo coach Djadjang Murdjaman said Persikabo had lost both and from the last three matches and so far only got one point.

"Persikabo in this match against Arema actually played quite well and balanced. Therefore we are not disappointed with the performance of the children, because they have put their ability to win matches," said Djadjang.