Persib Bandung soccer club secured a spot in the Indonesian Super League (ISL) final after defeating Arema Indonesia 3-1 in the semifinal at Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Tuesday.
Arema’s Alberto Goncalves scored in the 46th minute, Antara news agency reported, but Vladimir Vujovic of Persib equalized in the 83rd minute as normal time ended all square.
In extra time, Persib’s Atep edged his side ahead in the 92nd minute, then Konate added a third minutes later to book Persib’s ticket to the final.
- secured – free from risk and the threat of change for the worse
- edge his side ahead – an advantage
- book – to arrange to have the use of a seat, room, etc. at a particular time in the future
Persib will face Jayapura-based Persipura, which outclassed Pelita Bandung Raya 2-0 in the other semifinal. The two sides will meet in the final on Friday at Jakabaring Stadium.
Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil was seen shirtless while watching and supporting Persib in Tuesday’s semifinal. The stunt went viral and became a hot topic on social media.
- outclassed – to be much better than someone or something
- stunt – something done mainly to attract attention
Ridwan explained that while about 2,000 supporters of Persib, which is also known as bobotoh, were in the stadium supporting their team, they were not allowed to wear or carry things associated with the club due to a sanction from the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
The penalty was due to Persib fans’ hooliganism in two different matches: Persib versus Persija Jakarta in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Aug. 28, 2013, and Persib versus Gresik United in Gresik, East Java, on April 20.
“The choice was either wearing clothes without Persib’s colors or going shirtless. As tensions heightened, I said [to the fans], ‘Just go shirtless, I will do it, too’,” Ridwan said as quoted by kompas.com, adding that his actions were unplanned.
For the final, Ridwan said he had provided special clothes for the fans, so that they would not have to go shirtless again.