DBasia.news – PSIS Semarang failed to steal the point and surrendered against Persija Jakarta with a 0-1 score at the 22nd-week match of 2018 Liga 1 at Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, Tuesday (18/9).
Riko Simanjuntak scored the only goal for Macan Kemayoran at 16′. PSIS coach Jafri Sastra praised the team performance after playing against Ismed Sofyan and friends despite the failed positive trend.
“Since the beginning, we emphasize to not fear against Persija and believe to achieve the point. The squad showed progress in the first and second round,” Jafri Sastra said.
Jafri added the goal from Riko Simanjuntak should be anticipated. Moreover, during the training, he instructed the player to press Persija strikers who have the speed.
“We anticipated to silence the front line of Persija like Marco Simic, we did that. But we got conceded by Riko’s goal who played free without any pressing,” the former Mitra Kukar coach explained.
Jafri also assumed the squad’s confidence was increasing in this match. There was also no physical constraint during the 90 minutes match.
“Their confidence is increasing, also the strategy and physical strength show the progress. This is a good asset for the upcoming match against Perseru Serui,” Jafri Sastra concluded.