Football fans in South Africa are waking up to news of a surprising result from Indonesia: PSS Sleman are trailing Persiku Kudus 0-1 at halftime in their Championship match. The game, held at Stadion Maguwoharjo, Sleman, saw Igor Henrique score for Persiku in the 9th minute, putting the home side on the back foot.
Early Dominance Doesn't Translate
PSS Sleman started the match attempting to control possession, patiently building attacks from the back. They had an early opportunity in the 4th minute from a set piece, but the cross was cleared by the Persiku defence. The game remained balanced in the opening minutes, with Persiku threatening the PSS goal in the 7th minute through a shot from Ferry Cahyo, which was saved by the PSS goalkeeper.
Persiku Strikes First
The deadlock was broken in the 9th minute when Igor Henrique capitalised on a short pass, skillfully evading the PSS goalkeeper M Fahri to put Persiku ahead. This early goal clearly disrupted PSS Sleman's game plan.
PSS Sleman Attempts to Respond
Following the goal, PSS Sleman intensified their attacking efforts. In the 12th minute, a cross from Terens Puhiri found Irvan Mofu, but Mofu's header went wide. PSS continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the first half and thought they had equalised in the 28th minute with a header from Saiful Djoge, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Despite sustained pressure and control of the ball, PSS Sleman were unable to find an equaliser before the half-time whistle. The team lined up as follows: M Fahri (GK); M Fariz, M Tahir, Cleberson (C), Kevin Gomes; Saiful Djoge, Kim Kurniawan, Arda Alfareza, Relosa Rivan; Terens Puhiri, Irvan Mofu.
Can PSS Sleman turn things around in the second half? Stay tuned for updates!