Persib Bandung Sees Shopee Cup as Crucial Test for ACL Campaign

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Persib Bandung football club is treating the upcoming ASEAN Club Championship 2026/2027 (Shopee Cup) not merely as a regional contest, but as a vital rehearsal for their participation in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) next season.

The perspective was shared by Persib’s Director of Sport, Adhitia Putra Herawan, following the official group draw in Jakarta on Friday, June 5, 2026.

“This is a good group to test our readiness, because we are not only competing in the Shopee Cup but also preparing for ACL 2,” Adhitia told reporters, as quoted by Antara.

Persib has been placed in Group B, alongside some of Southeast Asia’s strongest clubs: Port FC (Thailand), Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (Malaysia), Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore), Công An Hà Nội FC (Vietnam), PKR Svay Rieng FC (Cambodia), and the winner of the playoff between Ezra FC (Laos) and Shan United FC (Myanmar).

Adhitia acknowledged the difficulty of the group, noting that many of Persib’s opponents are domestic champions or perennial contenders. Yet he sees the challenge as an opportunity for growth.

“Facing strong teams is the best way to measure our progress. We welcome this competition with enthusiasm,” he said, adding that Persib’s target is to advance as far as possible while remaining realistic about the level of competition.

The squad composition for the tournament will be determined by Persib’s new head coach, Igor Tolic. “It will be up to Igor to decide. But if the schedule works well, both competitions could be managed at the same level,” Adhitia explained.

Persib enters the Shopee Cup as reigning champions of the Super League 2025/2026, and their participation is seen as a benchmark for Indonesian club football on the regional stage.

Alongside Persib, Borneo FC Samarinda will also represent Indonesia, competing in Group A against defending champions Buriram United, Ratchaburi FC (Thailand), Kuching City FC (Malaysia), Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore), the Vietnam Cup winners, and the playoff winner between Kasuka FC (Brunei Darussalam) and Manila Digger FC (Philippines).

For Persib, the Shopee Cup is more than a tournament--it is a proving ground to sharpen their competitive edge before stepping onto Asia’s biggest stage. ***