Persija FC’s dream of reclaiming the Liga 1 first trophy materialized after it defeated Mitra Kukar FC from East Kalimantan 2-1 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a double from Persija’s Ukrainian striker Marko Simic in the 14th and 59th minute.

Persija put an end to its national league trophy-less run, with its last silverware in the competition coming in 2001.

Playing before a home crowd, Stefano “Teco” Cugura’s side was aggressive from the first minute. Antara news service reported that captain Ismed Sofyan went close in the 8th minute but his shot through the middle was saved by keeper Yoo Jaehoon.

Simic, Riko Simanjuntak, Novri Setiawan and Renan Silva kept up the attacking intensity and penetrated the heart of the opponent’s defense. The efforts paid off as Simic scored on a penalty in the 14th minute. The score was maintained until the end of the first half.

Mitra Kukar’s best opportunity came in the first minute of the second half as Brazilian player Mauricio Leal’s shot on target was saved by goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa.

Persija responded by launching waves of attacks. A golden opportunity in the 59th minute did not go to waste as Simic used his head to score his second goal.

Rachmad Darmawan’s side had grown into the game late in the second half as it struck back at the hosts via various attacks engineered by young bloods Septian David Maulana and Muhammad Lutfi.

As a late consolation, the gap was narrowed through Aldino Herdianto who scored in the 88th minute.

With the win, Persija ended the season with 62 points, one point ahead of second placed PSM Makassar, who thrashed PSMS Medan 5-1 in the match held at the Andi Matalata Stadium in Makassar also today.

Bhayangkara FC stole third place with 53 points, one point ahead of Persib Bandung.

As for the three clubs at the bottom of the standings, Sriwijaya FC, Mitra Kukar and PSMS Medan, they were all relegated to the second tier. Sriwijaya FC and Mitra Kukar collected only 39 points while PSMS collected 36.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan praised the victory and asked all Persija fans, popularly known as Jakmania, to keep up the good work by not vandalizing public facilities on their way home from the stadium. Thousands of Jakmania soccer fans celebrated the club’s victory around the capital, causing heavy traffic
congestion.

The provincial administration is planning to organize a parade with all players and the trophy on Jakarta’s main streets on Monday.

Persija’s victory was in the wake of a match fixing attempt in the second tier during the match between Madura FC and PSS Sleman. The attempt was initially brought to the public’s attention by Madura FC manager Januar Herwanto through the Mata Najwa television talk show.

Januar said he was persuaded by Hidayat, then member of the PSSI’s executive committee, to let his club lose to PSS Sleman for Rp 100 million (US$6,906) in compensation. Hidayat resigned from the PSSI early last week after the allegation.

Hidayat has been prohibited from being involved in any activities related to soccer for three years and also prohibited from entering any stadium in the country for two years. He was also fined Rp 150 million.

Many have raised their eyebrows at the allegations, wondering whether it had also penetrated the country’s top league as well.

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