Ghana midfielder Michael Essien made a successful bow for his side Persib Bandung, as he found the back of the net in their 2-2 stalemate against PS TNI in Indonesian Liga 1 on Saturday.
The 33-year-old, who came under the spotlight this week alongside former English international Carlton Cole due to irregularities in their residency permits and were facing fine and jail, made an immediate impact when he replaced Ahmad Subagja Baasith by the 46th minute.
With the game scoreless, the former Real Madrid and AC Milan player connected a pass from Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan by the 50th minute and sent his effort beyond the hosts’ goalkeeper Dhika Bayangkara for the opener.
But this was not his only key contribution in the game. He played a major role in the run-up to his side’s second goal of the day scored by Atep Ahmad Rizal two minutes later and also came close to make the scoreline 3-0.
However, the hosts rallied from behind to score two quick goals within the last two minutes of the game, through Erwin Ramdani and Gustur Cahyo on 88th and 90th minutes respectively.
Bandung are 10th on the log with two points from two games after drawing 1-1 with Arema on opening day at home and will play Sriwijaya next weekend.
