Persipura beat Chonburi to top group

Indonesian team Persipura have edged closer to the knockout stages of the AFC Cup after beating Thai club Chonburi 3-0 in Jayapura.

Competition newcomers Persipura began their third game knowing that victory would be enough to take them top of Group H.

And the 2009 quarter-finalists Chonburi offered little resistance as Persipura took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, when Yustinus Pae found the back of the net.

Persipura, who were runners-up in last year’s Indonesian Super League, were 2-0 ahead before half time – Titus Bonai extending their advantage.

And all three points were assured for the home side six minutes from time when Lukas Mandowen made it 3-0 after a mistake by the Chonburi goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.

Persipura defender Yohanis Tjoe was sent off for a second yellow card late, but it failed to dampen spirits inside the Mandala Stadium.

The win saw Persipura leapfrog Chonburi to the top of their four-team group.