Aji Santoso Said About Persebaya's Victory Over Aream FC: A Result We Are Very Grateful For, A Difficult Match

Aji Santoso (Instagram @coachajisantoso03)

JAKARTA - Persebaya coach Aji Santoso is satisfied that his team won the East Java derby against Arema FC at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali, Wednesday night.

"We are very grateful for the result because this match was very, very difficult," he said in a virtual press conference quoted by Antara, Thursday, February 24.

The only goal of "Bajol Ijo" was scored by Samsul Arif Munip in the 79th minute and at the same time broke Singo Edan's unbeaten record in 23 Liga 1 matches this season.

Aji called Arema FC a strong team because they were unbeaten before fighting Persebaya.

The legend of Persebaya and the Indonesian national team is optimistic that he will be able to compete at the top and return to the championship track.

"The opportunity (to win) is still there. If the score ended in a draw, let alone losing, then 90 percent of our chances are closed," he said.

When against Arema FC, which was not reinforced by top scorer Carlos Fortes, Persebaya had difficulty getting out of pressure, especially in the first 45 minutes.

Persebaya goalkeeper Ernando Ari repeatedly had to try to save the goal so as not to concede.

It was only in the second half that Aji Santoso pulled out Arsenio Valpoort in the 52nd minute and introduced Samsul Arif, plus Supriadi who replaced M Hidayat, making the game lively.

Several times Arema FC goalkeeper Adilson "Maringa" Aguero Do Santos fell and warded off Persebaya's attacks and at the end, Samsul Arif scored a goal.

"Thank God I was able to score. But it doesn't really matter who scores, the important thing is that Persebaya gets three points. This brings us to life in the championship competition," said the Bojonegoro-born striker who had strengthened Arema for two seasons.

Persebaya is now in fifth place in the standings with 51 points from 27 matches, four points adrift of Arema FC who are unwavering in the top position.

However, the top position is prone to being evicted by Bali United (54 points), Persib Bandung (53), and Bhayangkara FC (53) who still play 26 matches.