MALANG (25 Sept 2013) – Arema Indonesia will take on Central Coast Mariners in the final of the in Menpora Cup 2013 at Kunjuruhan Stadium
in two days.
The east Java side emerged as group winners tonight despite being held to a 2-2 by Persepam Madura in the final group tie Kanjuruhan Stadium.
Keith Gumbs gave the home team the lead on 24 minute with a sublime penalty before Persepam fought back with the equalising goal just four minutes later when Zaenal Arief poked in a goalmouth melee.
Arema, the former Indonesian Super League (ISL) champions then regained the lead off Beto Goncalves as Ezequel Gonzales than grabbed the all important equaliser for both teams to share points.
The draw allowed Arema to finish as group winners after beating Loyola Meralco Sparks of the Philippines 1-0 and also edging Mitra Kukar 4-1.
In the meantime, in an earlier match, Mitra Kukar blasted Loyola Meralco Sparks 5-1.
Paulo Pane gave Mitra the lead just a minute into the game before Arif Syono scored the second of the game four minutes later. Pani then put Mitra comfortable at 3-0 ahead after 27 minutes.
Two minutes later, Loyola had to play with a man less when Canas was red carded for a punch on Zulham Zamrun. But that did not stop them from scoring just a minute before the break off the hardwork from Lee.
Just six minutes after the restart and Mitra added their fourth goal through Zulham as Paulo Pane then volleyed the fifth goal after 72 minute.
