JAYAPURA - Dewi Fortuna does not seem to have sided with the Papuan Futsal team who appeared full of determination to attack the opponent's defense, in the continuation of the 2023 Korpri XVI Pornas Futsal, Central Java.

Playing at Futsal Undip Sports Center Tembalang, Semarang, Wednesday (19/7/2023) afternoon, the defending champion had to stop the step in the round of 16, after losing on penalties 1-3 to DKI Jakarta. The two teams previously played equally strong (2-2) in normal time.

Coach Daud Arim said his team had given their best in the match. Despite losing on penalties, he assessed that the Papuan team went home with their heads up because they were more dominant in attack and defense.

"As seen, both teams played well. Papua put more pressure, only a few finishes were still unlucky in front of the goal."

"Of course, this is material for future evaluation for the Papuan team. We're sorry for this result, but that's futsal. Sometimes it's easier to win the championship than to defend it," said Daud, who once led the Papuan team to win the 2020 Papua PON gold medal, after the match.

The Papuan team actually almost won the match if a number of chances could be maximized into goals. The comeback had a chance after 1-1 lead through quick play in the 10th minute from the feet of Barens Risman in the first half because the opposing side scored a goal in the 9th minute first.

Unfortunately, chance by chance has not produced goals. Instead, the opposing team scored again in the 27th minute of the second half. Papua finally appeared all out again to equalize the score to 2-2 from Vanly Palapessy in the 29th minute to play a penalty shootout.

In the penalty shootout, only Vanly Palapessy could do his job well. While the opposing side Nurichwan, Satriatama and Baihaqi Fiddin managed to execute it perfectly into three goals.

The defeat will be used as a valuable lesson for the Papuan team. Daud Arim is clearly optimistic that Papua, which is filled with young players, will be more mature in the next championship.

Coach Daud Arim on that occasion, especially thanked the Governor of Papua and the staff, for their support and motivation, so that the Papua Futsal team could compete in Pornas Central Java.

"Including the management of Korpri Papua and civil servants in Papua. Once again sorry, hopefully, we will be better in the next Pornas," he concluded. ***