Persib Reaches ACL Group Stage Two with a Lot of Homework to Do

BANDUNG, KOMPAS — Persib Bandung advanced to the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two after winning 2-1 against Manila Digger from the Philippines at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, West Java, on Wednesday (13/5/2025). Although they have qualified, the team nicknamed Pangeran Biru still faces several challenges in their journey in the competition.

The match between Persib Bandung and Manila Digger took place at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA) at 19:00 WIB. This match had a low attendance.

The number of bobotoh, the nickname for Persib supporters, present at the GBLA Stadium was only 5,844 people. Meanwhile, the capacity of GBLA is approximately 38,000 spectators.

In this match, Persib faced the young team Manila Digger with balanced strength. The team, which ranked second in the Philippine League last season, has an average player age of 27 years.

Several times, Manila Digger had golden opportunities. For instance, in the 19th minute, a shot from one of the Manila Digger players aimed at the goal was successfully parried by Persib's goalkeeper, Teja Paku Alam.

Meanwhile, Persib had few scoring chances and lacked cohesion, with numerous misplaced passes.

New players of Persib, such as Rosembergne da Silva and Uilliam Baros, have not performed optimally. Uilliam repeatedly failed to capitalize on golden opportunities in front of the Manila goal.

The first goal of Persib originated from a free kick taken by Luciano Guaycochea in the 38th minute. Manila Digger's goalkeeper, Michael Asong, misjudged the direction of the ball, resulting in an own goal.

Entering the second half, the match between Persib and Manila Digger proceeded at a slow pace. No goal-scoring opportunities were created in the defensive areas of both teams until the 60th minute.

Uilliam's performance hasn't improved, while Rosembergne was forced off due to injury. Febri Hariyadi came on to replace Rosembergne.

Manila Digger has also intensified its attacks. Through a quick counterattack, player number 5, Modou Joof, fired a shot from the penalty box that found the back of the net against Persib in the 66th minute.

Stung by Manila's goal, Persib bounced back. With swift counterattacks, Persib began to threaten Manila's defense.

The wing forward of Persib, Beckham Putra, delivered a lob pass into the defensive area of Manila. Uilliam redeemed his poor performance by capitalizing on that pass with a touch of his foot in the 72nd minute. Persib led 2-1.

Persib had three golden opportunities as the second half approached its final 10 minutes, but none resulted in a goal. The score of 2-1 in favor of Persib held until referee Omar Mubarak from Oman blew the whistle signaling the end of the match.

Manila Digger coach Li Haijun from China, who was met after the match, congratulated Persib on their victory in this game. He acknowledged that Persib performed better, even though his players had made maximum efforts.

"The players have given their best effort. However, Persib performed more effectively with a focus on attacks from the midfield," Li stated.

Meanwhile, Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak admitted that the match against Manila Digger was very challenging. However, the defense line performed well and secured the winning goal in the second half.

The Croatian coach acknowledged that this match was not the best performance from his players. Particularly, the forwards have not been optimal in their finishing.

"The performance of the defenders was very good. Our biggest problem is the lack of optimal finishing in front of the goal. This will be an evaluation for us," said Bojan.