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After struggling in first half of the season, Persisam Samarinda is eager to fight back.

The East Kalimantan club enjoyed a good start when it pounded PSPS Pekanbaru 2-0 on Wednesday, and is looking to continue its run when hosting Persija Jakarta on Saturday.

Coach Aji Santoso said the win gave the team a morale boost.

“The boys showed good fighting spirit and confidence when we beat PSPS. I hope they can keep it up,” Aji said on Friday. “We need it as Persija is much better team than PSPS.”

Persisam will miss Muhamad Robi, still nursing a hamstring injury. But the club boosted its attacking force with the acquisition of Choi Dong-soo from Super Reds FC Singapore.

As an ISL newcomer, Persisam set its sights high. The club spent big money in preseason, with four players — Danilo Fernado, Ronald Fagundez, Jacques Joel Tsimi and Hamka Hamzah — in the list of the 10 most expensive players released by PT Liga Indonesia.

But the club failed to show its potential as it struggled around the bottom of the table. Aji said it was haunted by serious internal rifts that kept players out of focus.

“Thankfully, We have new management and our problem was solved. From now on, the boys must set their focus on the game,” he said.

The match is Persija’s second match in its Borneo swing. On Wednesday, the capital club held host Bontang FC in 2-2 draw.

The Kemayoran Tigers are likely to miss captain Bambang Pamungkas due to a right knee injury. Bambang's absence gives coach Benny Dollo a headache as he’s Benny’s regular targetman.

“As we have limited options in our attacking force, I have to sort the problem out,” Benny said.

After acquiring Firman Utina from Pelita Jaya, Persija is still looking for one foreign player.

“We've been offered a Nigerian forward by the agent. We hope he can come as soon as possible,” Persija assistant manager Ferry Indrasjarief said.

Elsewhere on Saturday, PSM Makassar hosts Persema Malang, PSPS Pekanbaru plays host Bontang FC, and Sriwijaya FC meets host Persik Kediri.

Persipura Jayapura climbed to second with a 2-1 away win over Persijap Jepara on Friday.

Alberto Goncalves opened scoring in 18th minute, but Ricardo Salampessy’s own goal canceled the lead in the 51st. Captain Eduard Ivakdalam sealed the Black Pearls’ win in the 66th.Persipura has 32 points, while Persijap stays in 10th with 25.

Also on Friday, Persela Lamongan trashed Persiwa Wamena 7-2 at Surajaya Stadium.

The result put Persela in eigth place with 27 points, while Persiwa is one place below with 25 points.