In a hard-fought 3rd Place Match of the INDOLEAGUE 2024 season, IQRO FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over PS Kota Sydney at Strathfield Park. Battling intense heat and a determined opponent, IQRO FC displayed grit and composure to claim the bronze and finish their campaign on a high note.
Match Recap: IQRO’s First-Half Edge
The opening half saw IQRO FC taking control early, with their persistence paying off in the 25th minute. Dzulfikar Pasaribu delivered a composed finish, breaking the deadlock and giving IQRO FC a 1-0 lead going into halftime. Despite the soaring temperatures and PS Kota Sydney’s attempts to equalize, IQRO’s disciplined defense kept their opponents at bay.
Second-Half Drama
As the second half unfolded, Avisai Vunisasaro doubled IQRO’s lead in the 77th minute, finishing a perfectly executed counterattack to make it 2-0. PS Kota Sydney, however, refused to give up. Just two minutes later, Andrew Djuardi capitalized on a loose ball to score, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and setting up a nail-biting finish.
IQRO FC’s defense, led by their disciplined backline, held firm in the final moments to secure the win despite PS Kota Sydney’s relentless pressure.
A Season of Redemption for IQRO
For last year’s champions, this victory in the 3rd Place Match offered a measure of redemption. Although they fell short of defending their title, IQRO FC’s performance throughout the season and their strong finish underscored their resilience and quality.
PS Kota Sydney: A Promising Future
For PS Kota Sydney, their debut season has been nothing short of remarkable. From memorable victories to this close contest in the playoffs, they’ve cemented their place as a team to watch in future INDOLEAGUE seasons.