Ternate (ANTARA) – Malut United from North Maluku succeeded in defeating Persiraja Banda Aceh’s resistance in the race for third place in Pegadaian Liga 2 for the 2023-2024 season and created history in qualifying for Liga 1 2024-2025 after falling behind twice.
“Thank you to all the players who worked hard, were persistent and did not want to give up. We dedicate this victory to all the people of Maluku and North Maluku, as well as Malut United supporters wherever they are and put Malut United into League 1,” said Coach Imran Nahumarury to press conference after the match, Saturday.
Jose Wilkson’s header in the 115th minute of extra time was the difference in the result at Madya Stadium, Saturday (9/3/2024). The score became 3-2 after 90 minutes the score ended 1-1. Persiraja took the lead through the penalty spot by Zikri Ferdiansyah (32′). Through a penalty kick, Frets Butuan equalized the situation at 1-1 (45′).
In the second half, coach Imran Nahumarury made substitutions. He pulled out Hari Nur Yulianto and Rafli Selang (substituting for Pramoedya Putra Suhardi in the 19th minute) and brought in Jose Wilkson and Ilham Udin Ramaiyn.
However, Persiraja took the lead again with a goal that surprised North Maluku’s defenders. Ramadhan found the net against Ray Redondo at the start of extra time.
North Maluku’s substitute, Dave Mustaine’s directed kick, who came on to replace Wawan Febrianto (60′), brought down Persiraja’s sturdy wall which was guarded by M. Fahri.
Yes, the total saves made by M. Fahri in the match against Malut United amounted to 6, 5 of which occurred in the second half.
Again, the substitute player was the key to Malut’s success in breaking into Laskar Rencong’s goal. Receiving the ball from Frets’ kick, Wilkson’s header split the Madya Stadium. Persiraja could no longer respond to the goal in the 115th minute. Moreover, since the 105th minute they were playing with 10 people when Defri Rizki received a second yellow card. Player Fretz Butuan celebrated after scoring the first goal for Malut United and successfully finishing off Persiraja Banda Aceh’s resistance in the race for third place in the Pegadaian Liga 2 season 2023-2024 and after falling behind twice, Saturday (9/3/2024). ANTARA/Abdul Fatah (Abdul Fatah) Laskar Kie Raha ended Persiraja’s resistance 3-2 and won third place in Pegadaian Liga 2 2023-2024. Tickets to League 1 are also in the hands of Malut United, following in the footsteps of the finalist teams who were also promoted: PSBS Biak and Semen Padang.
In fact, as many as 28 attempts were made by North Maluku players or 10 were on target showing the dominance and strong will of Laskar Kie Raha to maximize their host status after playing 0-0 on Tuesday (5/3) in Langsa, Aceh.
Furthermore, according to him, from the start when management asked me to become coach, I promised to build a team for the revival of North Maluku and Maluku football.
Coach Imran was aware that from the start of the competition, many people doubted the existence of Malut United. “Never mind promotion to League 1, we are not even considered qualifying for the last 12 of League 2. This is the result of the hard work of all members of the team.
Meanwhile, Persiraja coach, Achmad Zulkifli, expressed his appreciation and congratulations to Malut United for beating his team.
“Congratulations to Malut United. This is football. When you are ahead, there is the impression that you are too careful and end up conceding. However, our achievement has proven this to those who doubted Persiraja’s progress since the start of the competition,” said Achmad Zulkifli.
In fact, history has been made. The new club participating in League 2, named Malut United FC, made history in qualifying for League 1 in its first year competing on the Indonesian football stage.
Also read: Malut United is ready to face Persiraja in the second leg match
Also read: Jose Wilkson’s goal helps Malut United win League 1 promotion tickets
Reporter: Abdul Fatah
Editor: Junaydi Suswanto
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