Two Goals Disallowed by VAR, Semen Padang FC Defeats PSIS Semarang 3-2

PADANG, KOMPAS - Semen Padang FC successfully silenced PSIS Semarang with a score of 3-2 in the 29th week of the BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 at Haji Agus Salim Stadium, Padang City, West Sumatra, Thursday (17/4/2025). This intense duel between teams in the relegation zone was marked by the referee's decision to annul two home goals based on VAR checks.

Three goals for Semen Padang were scored by Firman Juliansyah in the 66th minute, Muhammad Ridwan in the 71st minute, and Tin Martic in the 90+8 minute. Meanwhile, two goals for the visiting team were scored by Septian David Maulana in the 62nd minute and Sudi Abdallah in the 90+6 minute.

"Congratulations to the players for delivering a great match and the fighting spirit shown in today's game," said Semen Padang FC Head Coach Eduardo Almeida, after the match on Thursday.

Semen Padang, determined to end the trend of losses from the previous three matches, made a strong start. As a result, in the 1st minute, Dodi Alekvan Djin nearly scored a goal. The right-back's shot towards the empty net was thwarted by defender João Ferrari.

In the 3rd minute, it was PSIS's turn to create an opportunity through Septian David Maulana. Septian's powerful shot from the right side of the goal of the team nicknamed Kabau Sirah was still able to be parried by goalkeeper Arthur Augusto.

In the first half's extra time, Semen Padang striker Bruno Gomes scored after receiving a pass from his teammate Cornelius Stewart. However, the goal was disallowed by the referee because based on the video assistant referee (VAR) check, Gomes was in an offside position.

Rain colored the second half of the match at Haji Agus Salim Stadium. Both teams also appeared more aggressive in seeking the first goal. Semen Padang and PSIS took turns launching attacks, but each opportunity was thwarted by the respective goalkeepers.

The long-awaited goal was finally scored first by PSIS through Septian in the 62nd minute. Following a counter-attack scheme, Septian received the ball on the right side of the opponent's defense. After dribbling past the defender, Septian unleashed a powerful shot that could not be parried by Augusto.

Four minutes later, Seman Padang equalized with a goal from Firman Juliansyah, who had just entered the game in the second half. Firman received a pass from Stewarta in the penalty area and then unleashed a powerful shot into the upper left corner of goalkeeper Syahrul Fadil's net.

Subsequently, the home team took the lead through a goal by Muhammad Ridwan in the 71st minute. Ridwan successfully headed the cross from a corner kick taken by his teammate, Ricki Ariansyah, from the left side of the opponent's defense. A save from Syahrul was unable to prevent the goal.

The Semen Padang goal was once again annulled by the referee after checking the VAR. Stewart had managed to score into the net in the 79th minute after receiving a pass from Gomes. However, upon reviewing the VAR, the referee determined that a foul had occurred by a Semen Padang player before the goal was scored.

As the match seemed to be ending with a score of 2-1, disaster struck Kabau Sirah. A lapse in the defense allowed PSIS striker, Sudi Abdallah, to equalize with a header.

The goal did not discourage Semen Padang, who needed three points to maintain their chances of avoiding relegation. The players continued to fight until the final seconds. As a result, center-back Tin Martic, who contributed to the attack, was able to score by capitalizing on a pass from Gomes.

Almeida appreciated his players who maintained their fighting spirit until the end. He also knew from the beginning that the match would be challenging as the opposing team also needed points to escape the relegation zone.

When the score was 3-1, Almeida thought his team could kill the game. Unfortunately, the referee changed his decision after checking VAR. After that, the opponent was able to score an equalizer to make it 2-2.

"But with our hardworking players, we were able to score goals and win the match. In the first half, I said we must fight until the last second, and in the end, we managed to score the winning goal at the last second," he stated.

Almeida also extended special appreciation to Ridwan. Despite having limited playing time this season, participating in only three matches, Ridwan continues to train every day and was able to score his first goal when given the opportunity to play.

The head coach of PSIS Semarang, Gilbert Agius, stated that he finds it difficult to express his thoughts about the match result because his team desperately needs points. Nevertheless, he appreciates the efforts of the players. "Scoring two goals in this match is not an easy feat," said Agius.

Agius explained that the goals conceded by his team occurred due to a loss of focus among the players. The three goals from Semen Padang originated from set-piece executions, namely one corner kick and two throw-ins. "All three are related to concentration," he stated.

This victory does not change the positions of both teams in the temporary standings of Liga 1. Semen Padang, which has accumulated 25 points from 6 wins, 7 draws, and 16 losses, is in 17th place out of 18 clubs.

Meanwhile, PSIS Semarang is one rank above Semen Padang, having accumulated 25 points from 6 wins, 7 draws, and 16 losses. PSIS has a superior goal difference and away goal productivity compared to Kabau Sirah. In the first round, PSIS won 1-0 against Semen Padang.