Habanusantara.com– The Aceh football team triumphed over Banten with a thrilling 3-2 victory in a tense match at the 2024 PON XXI Aceh-Sumut, held at H. Dimurthala Lampineung Stadium, Banda Aceh, on Wednesday night, September 4, 2024. This hard-fought win not only energized the supporters but also earned the team an immediate cash bonus from Acting Governor of Aceh, Dr. H. Safrizal ZA, M.Si, who was present to cheer on the home team from the main stands.
The match began with Banten taking an early lead, scoring quickly in the opening minutes of the first half. However, the Aceh team, backed by thousands of passionate supporters, quickly responded and equalized. Shortly before halftime, Aceh turned the game around by scoring a second goal, making it 2-1 in favor of the home team.
As the second half commenced, the intensity of the game escalated. Banten fought hard to level the score and succeeded in making it 2-2, adding to the nail-biting atmosphere. But Aceh wasn’t done yet; they showcased their resilience by scoring a decisive third goal that secured their victory. The winning goal was met with thunderous cheers from the supporters who kept their energy high until the final whistle.
Following the match, Acting Governor Safrizal ZA made his way to the Aceh team’s locker room to personally congratulate the players on their victory. Amid the celebrations, Safrizal fulfilled his promise by handing out cash bonuses to the entire team, a gesture that was met with joyful cheers from the players, who had given their all on the pitch.
“I am extremely proud of the Aceh boys who played exceptionally well tonight. The supporters were also fantastic, bringing so much energy. This is a victory worth celebrating,” Safrizal told the media. He also urged the team to maintain their spirit and performance in the upcoming matches, reminding them that the journey to the finals is still ongoing.
Safrizal confirmed that the promised bonuses had been delivered to the players as a token of appreciation for their hard work. “As promised, the bonuses have been handed out,” he affirmed.
The National Sports Week (PON) XXI will be officially opened by President Joko Widodo on September 9, 2024, at Harapan Bangsa Stadium, Lhong Raya, Banda Aceh. However, football and several other sports events have kicked off early. The PON will continue until September 20, with the closing ceremony scheduled to take place in North Sumatra.
This victory not only boosts the morale of the Aceh team but also demonstrates that Aceh is ready to compete at the national level. The strong support from the local government and loyal fans is expected to serve as an additional motivation for the Aceh team as they strive to reach the finals.
