BANDUNG (21 Sept 2013) – Hosts Persib Bandung did not get the start they were looking for when they were held to a 2-2 draw by the Malaysians Under-23 team in the opening match of the Menpora Cup last night at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.
D. Saarvindran had given the Malaysians the lead early in the tenth minute before Kenji Adachihara slammed in the equalizer on 28 minute. Muhammad Ridwan then put Persib ahead with a 55th minute as the Malaysian youngsters then pulled up with the second goal from Mohd Ridzuman.
“We are a little tired after a long season, but at least, we can still keep possession and the condition of the players was quite good,” said Persib coach Djadjang Nurdjaman.
In the meantime, former ISL champions Sriwijaya FC fell to a 2-0 loss to Australian side Central Coast Mariners in the second match of the evening.
Matt Simon put the Mariners in front after 37 minutes as Nicholas Fitzgerald then completed the win with the second goal ten minutes to the end.
