President Congratulates Arema Malang As President Cup Winner

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo congratulated Arema Malang FC which defeated Pusamania Borneo
FC 5-1 at the final of President Cup II 2017 national soccer championship on Sunday night (March 12).

"Congratulation on the victory of Arema," the president said after watching the 2017 President's Cup final match between Arema Malang vs Pusamania Borneo FC (PBFC) teams in Cibonong's Pakansari Stadium, Bogor District.

Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed hope that the President's Cup tournament can be a turning point to develop the Indonesian soccer.

On the occasion, the president also thanked the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) over the success of the 2017 Presidents Cup.

"Yes, I hope its implementation can be improved, and see you at the Presidents Cup in 2018," the President stated.

In 2017 President's Cup final Arema FC crushed PBFC 5-1 thanks to the wonderful performance of Cristian Gonzales (40).

The Arema's striker, Cristian Gonzales scored three goals  respectively at the 42nd minute, 52 minute and 63 minute.

The other two goals were netted by Sjahbandi Hanif at the 30th minute and an own goal by Michael Orah at 37th minute.

Meanwhile, the only goal for PBFC was scored by Filry Apriansyah at the 68th minute.

As the champion, Arema FC received the challenged trophy of the   Presidents Cup and Rp 3 billion cash prize.

In the meantime, PBFC as the runner up got Rp2 billion.

On Saturday (March 11) Persib Bandung team won the third prize and got Rp1 billion, while Semen Padang FC team obtained the fourth prize worth Rp500 million.

The President Cup II, participated by 20 soccer teams, was inaugurated by Jokowi at Maguwohardjo International Stadium in Sleman, Yogyakarta, in Central Java on Saturday (Feb 4). (WDY)