Home United Stun Persija Jakarta in Tempestuous Affair

Home United are through to the AFC Cup ASEAN Zone final after a 3-1 win at Persija Jakarta on Tuesday saw them claim a 6-3 aggregate win in the last four.

Despite heading into the clash with a 3-2 lead from last week’s first leg, many ranked Home as the underdogs considering they were coming up against an exciting Persija outfit playing at the intimidating Gelora Bung Karno.

But, just six minutes in, the visitors were gifted the lead when Persija keeper Rizky Darmawan completely flapped at Fazli Ayob’s left-wing cross and diverted the ball right onto the head of Shahril Ishak, who was left with the simple task of nodding into the unguarded goal.

Two minutes later, the Indonesian hosts were however handed the perfect opportunity to equalise when Abdil Qaiyyim felled Novri Setiawan inside the box, paving the way for Marko Simic to convert from the penalty spot.

Yet, a minute later, the Protectors were awarded a spot-kick of their own when Rezaldi Hehanusa was adjudged to have illegally manhandled Shahril at a set-piece situation.

Although Shahril’s effort from 12 yards was kept out, Rizky was only able to push it back into a central area, allowing the Home skipper to stab home the rebound and restore his side’s lead.

The tie then took a controversial turn in the 37th minute when Jaimerson was sent off after referee Turki Mohammed penalised him for a second bookable offence when he barged over Song Ui-young.

And, a minute before halftime, Home killed off the contest when Sirina Camara received possession after Shakir Hamzah did well to win the ball right outside the opposition box; the Frenchman curling a lovely cross that was met by an equally fine header by Song into the far corner.

Courtesy : Fox Sports Asia
Photo : Viva

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