INFONEWS.CO.ID ■ AREMA FC made it to the semi-finals of the 2019 President Cup preseason after beating host Bhayangkara FC 4-0 in the last eight which took place at the Patriot Candrabaga Stadium, Bekasi, West Java, Saturday (03/30/2019).
Mali attacking midfielder Konate Makan became a star in the match after scoring two goals and one assist for his team.
Konate's goal came in the 10th and 78th minutes while in the 40th minute he provided an assist for the goals of defender and captain Arema Hamka Hamzah. Arema's fourth goal was scored by Riky Kayame in the 90th minute.
These results make Arema closer to the second title in the President Cup after the previous squad nicknamed Singo Edan won it in 2017.
In the 2019 Presidential Cup semifinal round in the cage-away format, Arema will face the Central Kalimantan Putra.
In the Bhayangkara match, coach Arema Milomir Seslija lowered his best squad including Hamka Hamzah, Konate Makan and Indonesian national team player Dedik Setiawan.
The same thing was done by Bhayangkara FC tactician Angel Alfredo Vera who revealed names such as Ilham Udin Armaiyn, Dendy Sulistiawan and Wahyu Subo Seto, who together with Dedik had just defended the Indonesian national team.
Arema who competed in his proud blue uniform immediately mastered the match from the first minute. Driven by Konate Makan, the Singo Edan squad practically controls the game.
The result, Arema managed to score a quick goal, precisely in the 10th minute, through the feet of Konate Makan. Eating managed to take advantage of a horizontal pass from Dendy Santoso in the penalty box.
Half an hour later, it was Hamka Hamzah's turn to present a goal for Arema. Hamka converted Konate Makan's free kick into a goal with his header.
The score of 2-0 marked the start of the second half. The match situation is relatively unchanged. Bhayangkara FC is more depressed and has difficulty uncovering Arema's defenses which play discipline.
It is precisely Arema who continues to appear sharp. At least three times their chances must be pushed aside by the Guardian goalkeeper, Wahyu Tri Nugroho.
Arema's third goal arrived in the 78th minute, again through the action of Konate Makan. Eating a long distance kick that cannot be anticipated by Wahyu Nugroho.
Bhayangkara got worse after falling behind. Their goal was again conceded in the 90th minute through a goal by Riky Kayame.
The 4-0 score did not change until the match was over.
