Bali United secured a 2:1 victory over PSS Sleman in the opening fixture of Liga 1's Regular Season on Thursday. The match concluded after a late goal sealed the home side's win, despite PSS Sleman taking an early lead through a penalty.
PSS Sleman opened the scoring at minute 39 when T. Yachida converted from the spot. The visitors controlled their chances well enough to earn the spot-kick, and Bali United's C. Mutzi went to the referee's book just before the break for a caution.
And here's the thing about the second half — the game turned at minute 82 when a Bali United goal was cancelled by VAR for offside. Queven then found the net at minute 67 to level matters, and the home side pressed forward with renewed purpose after that setback.
Bali United had nothing to do all evening in terms of territory, but PSS Sleman's goalkeeper had his moments. The decisive moment came at minute 90+6 when the home side finally broke through. R. Fajrin picked up a yellow card at minute 90+2, and by then the result was already decided.
Bali United dominated possession at 54 per cent and registered 128 attacks against their opponents' 107. They hit five shots on target and ten off target, while PSS Sleman managed only two shots on target from seven attempts off target. The visitors earned eight corners to the hosts' seven.
The win gives Bali United three points from their first match of the campaign, while PSS Sleman start their season without any points on the board. Both sides had mixed form in their recent encounters, but this result sets the early tone for the new season.
