Jakarta, Indonesia – Persib Bandung has once again showcased its prowess on the continental stage, securing a thrilling comeback victory against Selangor FC in Group G of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2).Despite playing on foreign soil, the squad managed by Bojan Hodak demonstrated a true champion’s mentality.
Trailing by two goals, the team, affectionately known as Maung Bandung, staged an extraordinary rally to clinch a 3-2 win. Key substitutions proved instrumental, with the introduction of beckham Putra injecting significant pressure on the home team’s defense. The decisive goals came from Adam Alis, who netted twice to secure the crucial three points for Persib.
this hard-fought victory propels Persib to the summit of Group G, boasting 10 points from their four matches. They hold a one-point advantage over second-placed Bangkok United.
With two remaining fixtures on the schedule – a clash against lion City Sailors on November 26, 2025, and a showdown with Bangkok United on December 10, 2025 – Persib needs just one more point to guarantee a spot in the knockout stage. A haul of four points from these matches would ensure they advance as group winners.
Coach Riphan’s Take: Bojan Hodak’s Tactical masterclass revolutionizes Persib’s Approach
Football analyst and pundit, Coach Riphan, has shed light on the secrets behind Persib Bandung’s impressive campaign in the ACL2 this season. He attributes the team’s success largely to Bojan Hodak’s bold decisions to implement significant changes to the team’s playing system.
“They’ve been dominant in the (Indonesian) League, with players like Tyronne, Ciro Alves, and David da Silva, who are clearly superior domestically. As an example, when Ciro gets the ball on the right flank, he can easily beat one or two defenders,” Riphan commented, as quoted from the Liputan 6 YouTube channel.
however, Riphan elaborated that the playing style that yields success in domestic competitions doesn’t always translate effectively to the Asian level.
“When competing in the ACL, they faced challenges breaking down opposing defenses and also encountered issues in the backline when Nick Kuipers and Franca were under pressure. My analysis is that the team, with players like Ciro, is better suited to the rhythm of the Indonesian League, where they can control possession and utilize the flair of Latin players,” he explained.
Riphan further emphasized that the demands of Asian competition necessitate a higher level of efficiency and tactical discipline.
