Persib Bandung Secure AFC Champions League Two Group Stage Spot

RRI.CO.ID, Soreang - Indonesian football club Persib Bandung secured a place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Group Stage after defeating Manila Digger FC of the Philippines 1-0 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Soreang, Bandung, West Java on Monday, August 31, 2026. The victory gave Persib the final qualification ticket to the continental competition’s group stage.

Persib head coach, Igor Tolic, praised his players for their patience and defensive discipline in a difficult match. “I can say this was a difficult match. But I want to congratulate the players because they didn't give their opponents many chances,” Tolic said, according to a statement quoted from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on September 1, 2026.

“We also created some chances, we were patient and we managed to stop most of their counter attacks,” Tolic added. Persib will compete in Group E alongside FC Seoul of South Korea, Melbourne Victory FC of Australia and The Cong - Viettel FC of Vietnam, with the group stage scheduled to begin on September 16.

The match was evenly contested, with both sides creating several opportunities throughout the game. However, their efforts were either saved or failed to find the target, leaving the score level at 0-0 at halftime.

Persib recorded five shots on target compared with four from Manila Digger as both teams continued to look for a breakthrough. The Indonesian side increased its attacking pressure after the interval, but struggled to turn its chances into goals.

One of Persib’s best opportunities came in the 58th minute when Eliano Reijnders found space following a precise pass from Mariano Peralta on the left. Reijnders, however, sent his effort over the crossbar with the goal unguarded.

Persib finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when Peralta found the back of the net. The late strike secured a 1-0 victory for Persib and confirmed the Bandung-based club as the final team to qualify for the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ Group Stage.