PSS Sleman faced another setback as they lost 3-1 to Persija Jakarta on December 21, 2024, at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). The match, part of the BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 season, saw PSS initially take the lead but succumb to powerful performances from the home side.
The game started with promise for the visitors, as Gustavo Tocantins scored early in the 14th minute, generating hope for PSS. Their disciplined defense held strong until the halftime whistle. But everything changed after the break, and the PSS team struggled to maintain their momentum.
Persija Jakarta ramped up their efforts dramatically, with Gustavo Almeida leveling the score at 64 minutes. Just three minutes before regulation time, Almeida converted from the penalty spot to put Persija ahead. He completed his hat-trick by adding another goal deep in stoppage time, sealing the match with the final score at 3-1.
After the game, PSS coach Mazola Junior spoke candidly about the challenges his team faced. He attributed the disappointing result largely to food poisoning suffered by several players. "Kami punya masalah besar di luar lapangan hari ini. Jadi saya dan beberapa pemain itu ada [terkena] infeksi makanan, mungkin jadi bikin susah kami di dalam pertandingan. Kami di babak kedua sudah tidak punya tenaga lagi karena kami kena masalah itu," Mazola said, acknowledging how severely this impacted their performance.
Mazola indicated he was not alone; the team was nearly brought to its knees by the effects of the food poisoning. He refrained from naming specific players affected but made it clear the situation handcuffed not just the players but himself as well. "Saya simpel nama-nama pemain yang kena. Tapi, saya bisa bicara dari saya sendiri, saya satu yang kena masalah itu," he explained, emphasizing the collective struggle.
His personal experience during the match was also telling. Mazola described feeling feverish and unable to provide the necessary support for his team from the sidelines, noting, "Saya benar-benar mengalami sakit karena infeksi makanan. Selama 40 menit kena demam dan tidak membuat saya bisa kerja di lapangan seperti biasa. Badan saya panas sekali," illustrating just how dire the circumstances became.
The outcome of this match has left PSS Sleman stranded at 14th position on the league table with only 12 points from 16 matches, putting them dangerously close to the relegation zone. The team faces another challenge soon, with their next match scheduled against Madura United on December 27, 2024, at Stadion Manahan, Solo, which will be their last home game of the year. A win is almost imperative as they look to climb the standings.
Despite the disappointing match, Mazola Junior remains hopeful. His focus shifted to rallying the team to not dwell on their defeat but rather to set their eyes firmly on the upcoming match. He also highlighted the necessity of returning to their home ground, Stadion Maguwoharjo. The renovation process has kept them away from their actual home, and Mazola believes playing on familiar turf will reinvigorate the team. "Jadi, saya minta untuk semua yang terlibat dalam memperbaiki stadion kita di Yogya, mohon kami bisa mulai bermain di kandang sendiri karena kami butuh pemain ke-12," he stated, longing for the days when PSS could enjoy the support of their loyal fans right at home.
Overall, the effects of food poisoning cannot be understated following this match; it left the players low on energy and missing key opportunities on the field. While the immediate outlook appears grim, coach Mazola Junior's willingness to address the situation openly and seek support from management and fans shows resilience amid adversity. The upcoming clash against Madura will be pivotal for the Super Elang Jawa as they strive to build back their confidence and climb the league standings.
