The highly anticipated final match of the Liga 1 competition took place recently at Jakarta’s Bung Karno main stadium, with Persija Jakarta emerging as the champions. This victory holds great significance for the team, as it mirrors their triumph 17 years ago in 2001.
The exciting match, graced by the presence of Jakarta’s governor Anies Baswedan, saw Persija’s striker Marko Simic deliver an outstanding performance by scoring two crucial goals in the 17th minute (penalty) and 59th minute. Mitra Kukar managed to salvage a goal in the 88th minute through Aldino Herdianto’s kick. Consequently, Persija secured 62 points in the final standings, edging past PSM Makassar by just one point.
Simultaneously, PSM emerged victorious by overpowering PSMS Medan with an impressive 5-1 scoreline in another eventful match held at the Andi Mattalata Stadium in Makassar.
Following this exhilarating win, Persija’s coach, Stefano “Teco” Cugurra, attributed the team’s success to their unwavering commitment and consistent performance throughout the Indonesian League 1 2018. He commended the players for maintaining the quality of their game and exhibiting a resilient mentality, enabling them to overcome numerous challenges and ultimately seize the championship trophy.
Expressing his gratitude, Teco stated, “Persija was consistent to the end. All players and officials were very compact. Thank you for everything, for the club that gave me the confidence to train this team,” reinforcing the cohesiveness and dedication that propelled the team to victory.
Moreover, the Brazilian coach emphasized that Persija showcased a solid performance from the onset of the 2018 final match, underscoring their exceptional prowess and tenacity. Addressing the challenges faced by the team, Teco highlighted their rigorous schedule, which necessitated them to navigate various locations such as Bantul, Bekasi, Cikarang, and Bogor in addition to their home turf at the Bung Karno stadium.
In light of Persija’s remarkable accomplishments, team captain Ismed Sofyan lauded the extraordinary mentality and resilience exhibited by the players, expressing his gratitude to the management and the passionate Jakmania supporters for their unwavering support.
In summary, Persija Jakarta’s remarkable journey to victory in the Liga 1 competition serves as a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit, securing a well-deserved triumph and etching their names in the annals of Indonesian football history.
Source: Antara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
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