Persipura Jayapura 2-0 Changchun Yatai (Asian Champions League 2010)

Jakarta:  Jandri Pitoy was the hero for Persipura Jayapura as he saved two penalties and the Black Pearls ended a difficult AFC Champions League campaign in the best possible manner with a 2-0 win over Changchun Yatai at the Gelora Bung Karno.

Most of the key players for both sides did not feature in a Group F match that had nothing at stake. Changchun left half of their first-team members at home while several Persipura players were absent due to injuries and suspension.

Without his top marksman Beto Goncalves, and Boaz Solossa sitting on the bench, coach Jacksen Tiago switched from his usual 3-4-3 formation to a 3-5-2 with Tinus Pae and Ian Kabes upfront.

Changchun had a chance to take the lead in the ninth minute after Liu Weidong was fouled inside the box by Hendra Ridwan.

Referee Shamsuzzaman Tayeb Hasan from Bangladesh pointed to the spot but Persipura goalkeeper Pitoy saved Cao Tianbao’s penalty kick.

Persipura had their first attempt on goal in the 19th minute when Kabes saw his ferocious shot from long range saved by Changchun goalkeeper Zong Lei.

Persipura finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute after captain Eduard Ivakdalam finished from close in.

Erol Iba created havoc after penetrating down the left flank before he squared the ball to Ivakdalam who was unmarked and made no mistake.

Changchun earned their second penalty of the game shortly after the restart when Zhang Wenzhao was fouled by a Persipura defender. Pitoy again proved himself equal to the task when he denied Liu Xiaodong.

In the 48th minute Persipura threatened Changchun but failed to widen the advantage after Iba was released down the left side but his shot flew over the bar.

A neat interchange between Gerald Pangkali and Stevie Bonsapia set the latter free behind the Changchun defence in the 62nd minute.

Bonsapia centred the ball towards Kabes who moved it on in Pae’s direction but his header failed to hit the target.

Persipura finally doubled their lead in the 67th minute. Kabes jinked past his marker and managed to deliver a low cross towards Pae, who knocked the ball into the net.

Kabes again terrorised Changchun in the 72nd minute before producing a back-heel to Iba who finished from close range but was flagged offside by the assistant referee and the goal did not stand.

In the 83rd minute, Ortizan Solossa almost notched a third with a scorching effort from distance but keeper Zong Lei managed to tipped the ball above the bar.

Persipura attacked a couple more times but were unable to add to their tally as they went on to record a famous victory.