Despite Having Good Statistics Records Against Lion City Sailors, Persib Doesn't Want To Be Careless

Persib Bandung is wary of Lion City Sailors (doc. Persib).

JAKARTA - Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak believes the match against Lion City Sailors will not be easy. Both teams will play the inaugural match of Group G AFC Champions League Two (Asian Champions League 2/ACL 2) at the Gelora Bandung Stadium, Lautan Api (GBLA), Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 19.15 WIB.

Despite being superior in the meeting record, Bojan Hodak remained vigilant. Moreover, Lion City Sailors was the runner-up in the Asian Champions League 2 last season.

"Lion City Sailors were ACL runners-up 2 last season and they were favorite in this group. I see their strength is better than last season. So, of course this will be a difficult match," said Bojan Hodak in a press conference session in Bandung quoted from Antara, Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Although he realizes that the match will not be easy, he emphasized that Persib has additional motivation. You see, this time the match was held at Maung Bandung.

"Playing at home gives encouragement, but it won't be easy," he said.

Last season, Persib recorded a 1-1 draw at home to Lion City Sailors, then won 3-2 in an away match in Singapore. Hodak hopes that the positive trend can be repeated.

"We continue to grow from game to game. The players have just begun to understand each other and unite. This will be a tough match, but we hope to get a positive result," he said.

Persib midfielder Luciano Guaycochea said Lion City Sailors has quality and experienced player material in Asian tournaments.

However, he made sure all the Maung andung players were motivated to win at home.

"We played at home. So, we had to play a good game and get three points," he said.

For the Argentine midfielder, the match against Lion City Sailors became his first moment to appear in the Asian Champions League 2.

"I was very excited. Since I first came here, I said I wanted to play in the AFC Champions League. So, I feel happy," he said.