Jakarta – Indonesian football faces a shifting landscape in Asian competition after Persib Bandung’s elimination from the AFC Champions League Two, but there’s renewed optimism surrounding Dewa United’s campaign in the AFC Challenge League. Simultaneously, Indonesian tennis is celebrating a breakthrough performance from Janice Tjen, who has surged into the WTA’s top 40 rankings.
Persib Bandung’s hopes of progressing in the AFC Champions League Two were dashed on Wednesday, February 18th, despite a 1-0 victory over Ratchaburi FC in the second leg of their round of 16 tie at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium. However, a 3-0 defeat in the first leg proved insurmountable, ending their continental journey with an aggregate score of 3-1. The result leaves Dewa United as the sole Indonesian representative remaining in Asian club competitions this season.
Dewa United Now Indonesia’s Focus in Asia
With Persib out of the picture, all eyes now turn to Dewa United, who are competing in the AFC Challenge League. The team advanced to the quarterfinal stage after topping Group E with seven points from three matches. They’ll face Manila Digger of the Philippines in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for March 5th at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. The return leg will be played on March 12th at the Indomilk Arena in Indonesia. This marks only the second time a club from Indonesia has reached the quarterfinal stage of the AFC Challenge League; Madura United reached the semi-finals last season before being eliminated by Svay Rieng of Cambodia.
Dewa United’s participation is crucial for Indonesia’s coefficient ranking within the Asian Football Confederation. A strong showing in the AFC Challenge League will contribute positively to the nation’s overall standing, potentially leading to more slots in future continental competitions. The pressure is on Anak Dewa (the team’s nickname, meaning “Children of God”) to deliver a performance that boosts Indonesia’s position on the continental stage.
Janice Tjen Breaks into WTA Top 40
Away from the football pitch, Indonesian tennis is experiencing a moment of success. Janice Tjen has achieved a career-high ranking, breaking into the top 40 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. This milestone comes on the back of an impressive run at the Dubai Championships 2026, where she reached the round of 16.
The Dubai Championships, a WTA 1000 event, offers a significant number of ranking points to players who perform well. Tjen’s success in reaching the latter stages of the tournament has yielded a substantial points increase, propelling her from outside the top 50 to a new personal best. Her climb in the rankings underscores the growing strength of Indonesian tennis and provides a source of inspiration for aspiring players across the country.
Persib’s Exit and Controversy
While Dewa United carries the flag for Indonesia in the AFC Challenge League, Persib Bandung’s Champions League exit wasn’t without its share of controversy. Reports indicate that the match referee, Majed Al Shamrani, came under scrutiny from the Persib camp for several contentious decisions during the match against Ratchaburi FC. Arab Saudi media outlets even reported that the AFC praised Al Shamrani’s performance, a claim that has further fueled debate among Indonesian fans. The match saw a red card issued to Uilliam Barros in the 45+5 minute, adding to the tension of the game.
Despite the victory, the aggregate defeat means Persib Bandung will not continue their Asian campaign this season. The club will now focus on domestic competitions, aiming to build on their performance and return stronger in future continental tournaments. The incident with the referee, however, raises questions about officiating standards in Asian competitions and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
For Indonesian football fans, the coming weeks will be filled with anticipation as they follow Dewa United’s progress in the AFC Challenge League. The team’s success could have a significant impact on the future of Indonesian football, both in terms of continental representation and overall ranking. Meanwhile, Janice Tjen’s rise in the WTA rankings provides a welcome boost to Indonesian tennis, demonstrating the potential for success on the international stage.
Dewa United’s quarterfinal first leg against Manila Digger on March 5th will be a crucial test of their capabilities. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs against their Filipino opponents and whether they can continue their impressive run in the AFC Challenge League. The Indomilk Arena is expected to be packed for the return leg on March 12th, as Indonesian supporters rally behind their remaining continental representatives.
The focus now shifts to supporting Dewa United and celebrating Janice Tjen’s achievements. These developments represent a positive moment for Indonesian sport, offering a glimpse of the potential for future success on the Asian and global stage.
What are your thoughts on Dewa United’s chances in the AFC Challenge League? Share your predictions in the comments below!
