Persib's Steps To AFC Champions League Two's Falls Phase Delayed After Losing To Lion City Sailors

Persib lost at home to Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League Two (doc. Persib).

JAKARTA - Persib's move to qualify for the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two (Liga Champions Asia 2) 2025/2026 was held back after being defeated by Lion City Sailors 2-3 in the fifth match of Group G at Bishan Stadium, Singapore, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, night WIB.

Despite losing, Maung Bandung is still ranked first with a score of 10, the same as Bangkok United in second place after being detained by Selangor FC 1-1 on the same day.

The Blue Prince's goals in this match were created by Frans Putros (11') and Andrew Jung (56'). Meanwhile, Lion City Sailors' goals were created through the actions of Lennart Thy (9'), Shawal Anwar (62'), and Anderson Lopes (71').

Since the first minute, Persib played a direct attack on the home team's defense. Berguinho got the chance in the sixth minute, but still did not produce a goal.

Bojan Hodak's squad was even surprised by the hosts' goal in the ninth minute after Lion City Sailors striker Lennart Thy threw the ball into Teja Paku Alam's goal.

However, two minutes later, through a corner kick scheme, Putros fired a low shot which could not be driven away by a single Lion City Sailors player. The position is back to a 1-1 draw.

Persib continued to dominate the game with various threats. Thom Haye had a chance in the 27th minute. He fired hard from outside the penalty box, but the ball headed right for Lion City Sailors goalkeeper Ivan Susak.

In the 31st minute, Marc Klok also fired a shot, but the ball was blocked by the opponent.

Not wanting to be under constant pressure, Lion City Sailors turned to press. In the 37th minute, Anderson Lopes fired a shot, but Putros perfectly blocked it even though the striker was finally caught offside.

At the end of the first half, Beckham Putra made a mistake in providing feedback which made Lion City Sailors launch a quick attack, but Teja came out of the net to secure the ball.

After an additional two minutes, the first half match still ended in a 1-1 draw.

After appearing equally strong in the first half, Persib maintained its composition entering the second half. The attack was launched again including the efforts of Eliano Reijnders in the 49th minute whose shot had not yet led to the goal.

The goal that turned things around was finally created in the 56th minute. Persib turned 2-1 ahead after Andrew Jung headed in Haye's cross from the right.

It was Jung's fourth goal for Persib in the Asian tournament, breaking the record (three goals) held by Kekey Zakaria in the 1995 Asian Champions League, Atep at the 2015 AFC Cup, Tyronne del Pino and David da Silva at the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League, as well as Adam Alis at the 2025/2026 AFC Champions League Two.

However, the disaster came in the 62nd minute. Lion City Sailors striker Shawal Anwar made the position 2-2.

This precarious situation made Persib make three changes at once. Beckham, Berguinho, and Jung were replaced by Luciano Guaycochea, Saddil Ramdani, and Ramon "Tanque" de Andrade Souza.

These changes make the Maung Bandung attack sector sharper. In the 68th minute, Ramon de Souza headed in Saddil's ball, but Susak was able to parry the ball.

Kans took the lead again not long after from a corner kick. Julio Cesar headed the ball, but did not produce a goal.

Instead of being able to lead again, Persib was even missed in the 71st minute. Lion City Sailors scored his third goal thanks to Lopes' flick.

In a state of lag, Persib is increasingly pressing to find an equalizer. In the 73rd minute, Ramon de Souza got another chance, but his header headed into Susak's arms.

Then, in the 76th minute, it was Barros' turn to fire an accurate shot, but the ball was blocked.

At the end of the match, Bojan Hodak tried to make another change. Klok and Putros were replaced by Federico Barba and William Marcilio.

The Blue Prince's team continued to score goals to ensure themselves advance to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League Two. However, until the game ended, Lion City Sailors could maintain a 3-2 advantage.

Persib will face Bangkok United in the last match of Group G AFC Champions League Two 2025/2026, December 10, 2025. They only need a draw to secure a ticket to the knockout phase as group winners.