Persija and Persib made this trial match as preparation for the new season of Liga 1.
Two different results achieved by two Liga 1 clubs in friendly matches against teams in Southeast Asia today. Persija Jakarta was forced to lose 2-1 to Malaysian Super League (MSL) club Sabah FC, while Persib Bandung celebrated a goal against Singapore Premier League (S-League) team Tanjong Pagar.
For Persija and Persib, this trial match is in preparation for the 2022/23 Liga 1 season. As for Sabah and Tanjong Pagar, the match was an opportunity to fill the void in the schedule, following the competition break related to the international calendar.
Editor’s Choice
In the match which took place at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, Persija fielded three new players, Hansamu Yama, Hanif Sjahbandi and Ricky Cawor. On the other hand, coach Ong Kim Swee played regular players in MSL who were able to bring Sabah to the top of the MSL standings.
Persija, who are still looking for a form of play, because they haven’t been in training for a long time, had to fall behind when the game had only been running four times through Netto Pessoa’s goal. Sabah was able to maintain their advantage until the first half was over.
In the second half, Persija tried to catch up with them. Substitute Taufik Hidayat finally managed to equalize in the 59th minute using goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat’s error.
However, Persija supporters The Jakmania had to leave the stadium disappointed after Sabah took the lead again and ensured the victory became 2-1 through midfielder Park Tae-su’s goal in the 63rd minute.
Meanwhile, in the match which took place at the Citra Mas Stadium, Batam, Persib appeared mighty by crushing the third place in the S-League standings, Tanjong Pagar, 6-1.
