Arema Malang retains Copa crown

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 09/17/2006 9:04 AM

ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post, Sidoarjo, East Java

Arema Malang proved to be the best team in the country by retaining its Copa Dji Sam Soe Indonesia crown after defeating last year's Indonesian League winner Persipura Jayapura 2-0 at the Delta Stadium here Saturday.

The victory is an assurance that the team will represent Indonesia in the Asian Champions League in 2007 and 2008. Arema was disqualified from the League this year for late registration and the Soccer Association of Indonesia had committed to send the team next year.

Arema pocketed Rp 1.5 billion (US$164,835) as a cash prize plus another Rp 500 million to help the team prepare for the Champions League.

Arema's stopper Aris Budi was named best player and striker Emalue Serge best scorer.

Last year's runner-up Persija Jakarta won the consolation game to finish third, defeating PSMS Medan 2-0.

Arema earned its first goal from a penalty kick by Aris Budi Prasetyo in the 51st minute, a reward after Persipura's defender Maully Lessi touched the ball in the penalty area.

Six minutes later, Arema's midfielder Anthony Jumma Balla scored another goal.

Referee Jimmy Napitupulu took out three yellow cards for Lessy, Victor Igbonefo and Ricardo Salampessy of Persipura.

""This victory is because of a good teamwork and the hard work of the team,"" Arema coach Benny Dollo said. ""We managed to cope with the pressure.""

Speaking on his team's chance at the Champions, Benny was cautious. ""We will face Asia's big names but it won't deter us. We'll give our best shot.""

Coming out as the third finisher was not good enough for Persija's coach Rahmad Darmawan, who immediately offered his resignation.

""As coach, I have to be responsible for failing to fulfill the management's target. I have tendered my resignation but they asked me to continue handling the team and I have to honor that. Besides, my contract will expire in December,"" he said.

The final matches went smoothly, in contrast to earlier concerns of a possible violent clash as happened in the quarterfinals between Arema and Persebaya in Surabaya.

East Java Police deployed some 2,200 officers to safeguard the stadium and soccer fans.

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