Persib Fails to Defeat Amid Injuries, Player Departure Rumors, and Various Focuses on Asian Games

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - Persib Bandung has fallen from the first position in the BRI Super League following a 1-1 draw against Persik Kediri in the 16th week match at Brawijaya Stadium on Monday night (5/1/2026). At the beginning of the second half of the competition, Persib must face numerous issues that are likely to disrupt the team's concentration.

The addition of one point only brings Persib to third place with a score of 35. Persib's points are equal to those of Persija Jakarta, which is in second place. However, "Macan Kemayoran," the nickname for Persija, has a superior goal difference. Meanwhile, Borneo FC is comfortably at the top of the standings with a score of 37.

The goal for Persib was scored by substitute player Saddil Ramdani in the 68th minute, who ironically received a red card in this match. Meanwhile, the equalizing goal for Persik was scored by Muhammad Firly in the 90+5 minute.

After the match, Persib coach Bojan Hodak highlighted the referee's leadership during the game in Kediri. He stated that Persib would submit a written objection regarding the officiating of referee Muhammad Tri Santoso.

"We will send a letter (of protest). I can't say much about the referee, that's all," said Bojan.

Meanwhile, Persib defender Alfeandra Dewangga expressed disappointment with the draw against Persik. According to him, one point from Kediri was not the target set by his team for this match.

"We're definitely not happy because we should have won," he said in the press conference after the match.

However, aside from the referee's leadership, Persib's performance this time was not as usual. The team seemed to struggle against the opponent's tight defense. Short passing plays were not prominently displayed. Long passes became the mainstay in this match.

Persib also played very cautiously. The storm of injuries, news of players leaving, and the need to divide concentration with Asian matches have made the playing strategy less than optimal.

In that match, Persib played without Marc Klok who was injured, as well as Federico Barba who was reported to be eager to return home to Italy. Andrew Jung and Beckham Putra were also substituted out of the match due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Thom Haye and Luciano Guaycochea did not play the full match. The red card received by substitute player Saddil Ramdani caused chaos in Persib's game towards the end of the match.

Meanwhile, Borneo FC has set a new record in the first half of the Super League 2025/2026. Until the first round, Pesut Etam has accumulated 37 points, although there is still one match remaining against Persita Tangerang.

The result marks the highest in the history of the club at the halfway point of the competition. This record even surpasses the achievement of 35 points that the team from Samarinda recorded when they became champions of the Regular Series of BRI Liga 1 2023/2024.

Borneo coach Fabio Lefundes stated that the statistics achieved by his team deserve appreciation. However, he reminded that each season presents different challenges, especially with the changing competition system.

The Brazilian coach also mentioned the intense competition among top teams this season. According to him, several teams are beginning to show significant strength and could pose a serious threat to Borneo FC.

"We must remain very strong. Do not let up because there are now several teams that are also very strong. Persib Bandung is strong, Malut United is starting to rise to the top, and there is also Persija Jakarta," he explained.