PAROI (26 March 2012) – Negeri Sembilan fought back from two goals down to hold Indonesia Premier League side Persebaya Surabaya to a 2-2 draw in a friendly that was played at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium last night.
Despite playing at their opponent’s den, Persebaya had little problem in stamping their authority with the highly-rated Andik Vermansyah stringing the action from the centre of the park. And before long, Andik was instrumental in carving out the first goal for the side which is also popularly known as Bonek.
In the ninth minute of play, an Andik cross from the left was met by the waiting Mario Karlovic, whose left footed shot, went straight into goal. Confident, Persebaya pushed forward and with just seconds left of the first half; they finaly scored their second goal of the game off Mat Halil, who did not disappoint the lay up from Fernando Soler.
But the break would prove to be pivotal for Negeri Sembilan, when they took advantage of the fast-tiring Persebaya side to score their first goal on 53 minute off Effa Owona before the latter added their second goal of the game in the 73rd minute for the final 2-2 scoreline.
