Arema held 0-0 in Kanjuruhan

Playing in the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang evidently did not make Arema win the match easily. The distance that quite far in classification of the league between Arema and PSIS also seemingly to be not significant in the match that was played out on Saturday, August 2 2008.

The prediction before the match was, Arema could easily overcame PSIS. Although in the match before, the two soccer teams experienced the defeat, Arema lost from Pelita Jaya to the score 0-2, while PSIS was destroyed by Persik Kediri 4-0. Arema was benefitted because they playing in the home base, was increased by the Aremania support that although receiving sanctions from PSSI, but allowed to watch the game without the Arema attribute.

The match actually went not equal. Arema pushed PSIS so PSIS could only rely on the counter attack to hold the Arema attack. Nevertheless, the attack that was developed by Arema was seen monotonous. None of the Arema playmaker made a creative movement was, so Arema only relied on the attack through the flanks. Moreover in the second half, only right flank of Arema that functioned, so as the match was really monotonous, despite still had several golden opportunities that necessarily could become the goal for Arema.

In fact PSIS got advantage, when in the minute 57, the captain Arema, Emille Bertrand Mbamba got the second yellow card from the referee Muh. Syafei. But the superiority of one player not used by PSIS, Arema came more pressed instead. However again and again, to the end of the match not a goal then was created, Bambang Nurdyansah’s team must be willing to divide one point with PSIS.