Borneo FC Samarinda secured third place after defeating Bali United 4-2 in the second leg of the 2023/24 Liga 1 Indonesia third-place playoff at Batakan Stadium, Balikpapan, on Thursday night. Borneo won the aggregate 4-2 after the two meetings, following a goalless draw in the first leg at Bali United's home ground.
Borneo took an early 1-0 lead against Bali United in less than three minutes into the game, thanks to a classy header from Wiljan Pluim. Pluim's header from a considerable distance, off an Adam Alis cross, was unstoppable for Bali United goalkeeper Adilson Maringa.
Adam once again played a crucial role in Borneo's second goal in the ninth minute. His through ball was successfully utilized by Felipe Cadenazzi, who broke free from the offside trap.
Cadenazzi, moving into the penalty area, calmly released a low left-footed shot that Maringa could not anticipate, doubling Borneo's lead with less than 10 minutes being played
In the 21st minute, the Pesut Etam extended their lead even further. Pluim scored his second goal, making the score 3-0.
Bali United's efforts to reduce the deficit paid off in the 30th minute. Mohammed Rashid's corner kick was met with a precise header by Elias Dolah, breaking through Nadeo Argawinata's defense, bringing the score to 1-3.
Borneo almost scored their fourth goal shortly after Bali United's goal. Unfortunately, Terens Puhiri's shot, capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty box, narrowly missed the goal.
Despite trailing 0-3, Bali United managed to score their second goal in the 39th minute. Irfan Jaya netted for the Serdadu Tridatu with a close-range shot that Nadeo couldn't stop, making the score 2-3.
Bali United even had the chance to equalize at 3-3 early in the second half. Jean Befolo Mbarga found himself one-on-one with Nadeo, but his shot was straight at the former Bali United goalkeeper.
Cadenazzi had an opportunity to score his second goal of the match. A cross found the Argentine forward, but his header hit the crossbar in the 55th minute.
However, Cadenazzi's efforts was eventually paid off and he scored his second goal, extending the lead to 4-2 in the 70th minute. His shot, from a Terens cross, easily got the better of Maringa.
Borneo threatened again in the 81st minute. Terens managed a shot on target, but Maringa read it well, preventing a fifth goal for Borneo.
Pieter Huistra's team maintained their 4-2 lead over Bali United until the end of the match, earning the Pesut Etam their well-deserved bronze medal after an excellent season.
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