Persebuya claimed a 2-1 victory over Port in the President's Cup group stage on Friday. The result keeps the hosts top of the table after three consecutive wins, while Port remain in third place with four points from three matches. By then the group picture was shifting, and this one match tipped the balance.
I. Al Sabhi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, putting Persebuya ahead before the half-hour mark. M. Pereira equalised for Port nine minutes later, and the first half ended level. And here's the thing — the momentum had already started to turn before the break.
R. Sananta restored Persebuya's lead just after the 46th-minute restart, and the game changed shape. Bruno received a red card in the 61st minute, leaving Port with ten men for the final quarter. To be fair, the visitors had been competitive until that moment.
Both sides made several changes in the second half. Port brought on Jefferson and M. Pereira for attacking impetus, while Persebuya introduced B. Phala, C. Wongchai, and I. Al Sabhi. Yellow cards went to Y. Meilana and P. Akkratum, and Alex came on in stoppage time for a late substitution.
The win moves Persebuya further clear at the top with nine points from three games. Port sit in third, one point behind the leaders, with a loss to show for their efforts so far. By then the group standings had settled into something more interesting.