Persib Bandung edged Persia Jakarta 2-1 in the President Cup semi-finals on Monday evening. The hosts moved top of the table with a win that extended their unbeaten run to three matches. Persia Jakarta remain second but their path to the final has narrowed considerably. By then the visitors had already seen their confidence shaken.
Uilliam opened the scoring in the twenty-second minute, finishing a move that cut through the midfield. Sekulic levelled from the penalty spot eight minutes later after a handball decision went against the visitors. The goal changed the tempo — Persib pushed forward and Persia's defence looked stretched. And here's the thing about these knockout ties: momentum shifts faster than the scoreline suggests.
Kwon Chang-Hoon made the difference in the eighty-sixth minute, heading home from a cross that found space at the back post. The visitors had tried to close the game down but the high line was picked apart in the closing stages. Sekulic was substituted just after the hour mark, a sign that tactics were shifting. To be fair the hosts played the second half a man up in spirit if not in numbers.
Three yellow cards were shown during the match — Alis and Rudianto for Persib, Kusnandar for Persia. The bookings came at moments when tempers were fraying rather than when play was flowing. Seven substitutions were made across both sides, mostly in the final quarter. By then the game had been decided and the managers were managing their squads for the final.
Persib sit top of the table with nine points from three games, while Persia Jakarta hold second place on four. The hosts have won all three of their matches in this competition. Persia Jakarta's record shows one win, one draw and one defeat. They fancy their chances but the gap in form is becoming clear.