Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – In Arema FC's first match in Group E of the 2018 President's Cup on Saturday night (20/1) which was held at the Gajayana Stadium in Malang City, Arema FC had to be satisfied with sharing points with Persela Lamongan.
Since the first minute, Singo Edan implemented a fast playing pattern. As a result, entering the second minute Arema managed to take the lead through a scissor kick goal by Arema's forward, Thiago Furtuoso.
Trailing 1-0, Persela continued to put up fierce resistance even though the field was flooded due to the heavy rain.
In the 12th minute, Arema managed to increase their lead through the feet of their captain, Dendy Santoso, who held on until the end of the first half.
Entering the second half, both teams did not lower the tempo of the game even though several players were replaced. As a result, Persela managed to reduce the deficit in the 83rd minute through Alessandro Padovani's feet.
Entering injury time, Arema's hopes of getting three full points were dashed. A free kick from outside the penalty box from Persela players was about to be secured by Singo Edan player, Mochamad Zaenuri, but the ball went into his own goal. This own goal ended Arema's chances of getting full points and had to be satisfied with sharing points with Persela.
Arema coach Joko Susilo admitted to being disappointed and dissatisfied with this achievement, because victory and three points were in sight. According to the man who is familiarly called Gethuk, his students did not pay attention and carry out his instructions, especially entering the second half of the match.
"With the uncomfortable field conditions, this is a tough match, we cannot play frontally and want to win a lot. In playing must use the right strategy and system, and do not be too confident. We must be able to control the game and since the beginning Arema has done that, even though they conceded in the last seconds," he explained.
In the Persela camp, the architect, Aji Santoso admitted to being grateful for being able to steal points at Arema's home ground. Where in addition to a big team and the requirement of experience, Singo Edan is supported by tens of thousands of its supporters. "Our team is filled with many young and new players. And we have a lot to learn from Arema," he said.
Aji added that the field conditions were not a problem, and the points were achieved through good teamwork. According to him, both teams showed an entertaining game. "Previously, we were indeed going to try hard to be able to get points in this match. And as a result, all of that can be realized," he concluded. (say/yon)
