Late Goal by Ilham Gives Bhayangkara Dramatic Win Over Persipura
Jakarta. Police-affiliated football club Bhayangkara defeated Liga 1 contender Persipura Jayapura 2-1 at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on Saturday evening (09/09), courtesy of former under-19 national team star Ilham Udin Armaiyn, who scored the winning goal in injury time.
The pet striker of national coach Indra Sjafri when they won the 2013 Asean Football Federation U-19 Championship, wasted at least two opportunities before eventually scoring twice.
Speedy forward Ilham had a clear chance to score in the 45th minute, just before half time, when his shot from within the box was blocked by Persipura 'keeper Yoo Jaehoon.
Bhayangkara's tireless midfielder, Paulo Sergio, threatened Jaehoon in the 48th minute with a free kick close to the box, which went over the bar.
Hosts Bhayangkara had been struggling before fielding 22-year-old playmaker Evan Dimas, who displayed promising gameplay after coming on in the 72nd minute.
A low drive by Ilham from within the box in the 73rd minute was once again saved by Jaehoon. However, three minutes later, he succeeded with a first-touch placing to the left of Jaehoon after a cross from left-back Dany Saputra.
Ilham almost doubled his tally in the 81st minute, but his deflected shot did not go wide, which resulted in a corner kick.
Persipura shocked the hosts with an equalizer in the 88th minute when Ian Louis Kabes's free kick ultimately broke Bhayangkara's wall, giving its flying goalie, Awan Raharjo, no chance.
Ilham became the hero with his winning goal in the 93rd minute, thanks to center-back Otavio Dutra, who made the assist.
Bhayangkara, led by former Philippines national team coach Simon McMenemy, is now on top of the Liga 1 table with 46 points, two points ahead of second-placed Bali United, which has yet to play on Monday.
Persipura remains in third place with 42 points after the loss.
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