Captain Keith Kayamba Gumbs and Sriwijaya FC off to winning start for 2010

It was the 12th round of matches in the Indonesian Super League (ISL), and Sriwijaya FC in 7th place hosted PSPS Pekan Baru in 8th place on the standings on Saturday 9th January, at the Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang.

The hosts are coming off of a confidence boosting win in an international friendly match played on 2nd January versus the 2009 Malaysia Cup winners, Negri Sembilan. Sriwijaya FC won that game 5-1, with their captain and St. Kitts and Nevis’ striker Keith Gumbs scoring a hat-trick in the first 45 minutes. The other two goals came from striker Obiora.

It was good conditions and a semi packed stadium, set for a good game of football. As this was one of several locally televised live games, the fans were reluctant to come to the stadium, instead opting to enjoy it on their sofas.

Nonetheless, it was game on from the get go.

Sriwijaya FC filled with confidence and hoping for a big win was on the attack as of the first whistle. The hosts created their first golden opportunity in the 10th minute when Oktavianos crossed to Obiora who sent his header wide of the mark.

PSPS Pekan Baru were very disciplined when in defence and mostly relying on counter attacks.

Sriwijaya FC played their usual passing game with many combinations between the strikers and midfielders, trying desperately to find an opening in the PSPS defence. The moves finally brought success in the 26th minute when midfielder Arif Syono headed home a cross from Nigerian striker Obiora.

The first half ended 1-0 to Sriwijaya FC.

The second half was a more open affair with both teams creating a host of chances, but, none able to turn them into goals.

At the final whistle it was still 1-0 to the hosts Sriwijaya FC, which saw them move up to 4th on the 18 team table.

Next scheduled match for Sriwijaya FC is on Wednesday 13, January at home to Persija Jakarta.