Persija failed to secure full points, Mauricio Souza regrets loss of game control.
Source: Persija Jakarta
Disappointment enveloped the camp of Persija Jakarta after failing to secure full points at home. Playing at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) against Borneo FC on Tuesday night, March 3rd, Macan Kemayoran had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the 24th week match of the BRI Super League 2025/2026.
This result tasted bitter because Persija led twice but failed to maintain rhythm and control of the game until the final whistle blew.
Persija coach Mauricio Souza openly regretted his team's inconsistency, particularly after scoring both the opening and second goals.
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Persija failed to secure full points at home, Borneo FC forced a draw in injury time.
"And yes, don't ask me - I don't know why, but our team starts losing focus immediately after scoring. After 1-1, we regained match control," Mauricio stated during the post-match press conference at JIS on Tuesday.
Twice Leading, Failed to win
Persija took the lead shortly after halftime. Gustavo Almeida found the net in the 46th minute. But as Mauricio highlighted, this momentum marked the point where they lost control.
Borneo FC responded through organized pressure, equalizing 1-1 in the 62nd minute via Juan Villa.
After the score leveled, Persija displayed greater aggression and regained match control.
Macan Kemayoran reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute through Fabio Calonego's powerful strike that Borneo goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata couldn't stop.
This goal seemed to confirm Persija's individual quality. Mauricio praised Fabio's contribution, highlighting his class with a superb long-range strike.
However, familiar problems resurfaced. During normal time's closing stages, Persija created multiple chances to secure victory, but poor finishing kept the scoreline narrow.
Disaster struck during Injury time. With a quick counterattack in the 90+4th minute, Borneo FC capitalized on a rebound through substitute Ikhsan Zikrak to equalize 2-2.
This late goal not only leveled the score but also snatched two crucial points from Persija's grasp at their home ground.
With this additional point, Persija remains second with 51 points, trailing Persib by three points while having played one fewer match.
