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Fans who arrived late to the Indonesian Futsal League final still had plenty of time to spare.

Wednesday’s final at Istora Gelora Bung Karno only came to life in the second half. When it did, though, Chairul Soleh struck for a hat trick as Electric PLN V-Sport beat Biangbola 4-2 to retain its league title.

Topas Pamungkas scored Electric’s other goal as it defended the crown it won in 2008, when it beat 2007 champion Biangbola 2-1 in the final.

Gustian Sukma and Ragil Handoyo scored Biangbola’s goals on Wednesday.

Electric coach Andri Irawan took time out from the celebrations to praise his opponent.

“Biangbola showed a first-class performance, especially its young players,” Andri said. “We kept our focus and made the best of our opportunities and we won. The boys put on their best effort to win the game.”

A scoreless first half belied the action that was to come after the break. Chairul struck for his first goal to put Electric ahead, only for Biangbola to respond as Gustian scored off an Andri cross to level the final.

Topas put Electric back in front, scoring with an aerial effort, and Chairul followed with his second of the night as Electric went ahead 3-1 with less than two minutes remaining.

Ragil pulled a goal back to give Biangbola hope of returning to the summit, but Chairul made sure the day was his and Electric’s with one last strike.

Mutiara Hitam Papua ended its debut season in the IFL on a high note, beating Pelindo II Jakarta 5-4 in the third-place playoff to make sure the capital city did not have it all its own way. Mutiara roared ahead, taking a 3-0 lead at halftime. Regular-season top scorer Boi Boas found the net twice, and Echona Tuahums added another.

Markus Ekomsen scored the first goal after halftime to put the Papuans ahead 4-0 and leave Pelindo a mountain to climb. Ricardo Polnaya pulled one goal back for Pelindo, only for Boi to complete his hat trick and restore Mutiara’s four-goal lead.

Undaunted, Pelindo fought back with goals from Taufiqurahman and Ricardo, the last of which trimmed the lead to 5-4.

Mutiara coach Daniel Mauri said his team played better than in its semifinal against Electric.

“The boys played better than yesterday. They played without burden, so they showed a good performance,” Daniel said.

On the other hand, Pelindo head coach Dadang Iskandar said his players lacked of focus.

“It cost us easy goals in the first half. When we trailed by four goals, they found their rhythm, but it was too late,” he said.

Boi topped the IFL with 30 goals, while Topas was named Best Player. Electric’s Ade Lesmana was named Best Goalkeeper. Futsal