Tangerang, Indonesia – Dewa United will host Manila Digger FC on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Indomilk Arena in a pivotal second leg clash of the AFC Challenge League 2025/26 quarterfinal. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg played in Manila, Dewa United must overcome the deficit to secure a place in the semifinal.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:30 PM Western Indonesian Time (20:30 WIB), and will be broadcast live on RCTI and Vision+, offering Indonesian football fans a front-row seat to this crucial continental encounter.
The first leg, played on March 6, 2026, saw Manila Digger FC emerge with a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a first-half goal from Kenji Nishioka. While Manila Digger dominated possession, they were unable to add to their lead, leaving Dewa United with a fighting chance on home soil. The match was played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
For Dewa United to advance, a win by at least two goals is required – results such as 2-0, 3-1, or 4-2 would spot them through. A single-goal victory (1-0, 2-1, 3-2, etc.) would force the tie into extra time, consisting of two 15-minute periods. Should the score remain level after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout, a scenario Dewa United will undoubtedly be keen to avoid.
The schedule has been favorable for Dewa United, with their most recent domestic league match postponed to allow full focus on the AFC Challenge League competition. A previously scheduled league match against Persija Jakarta was pushed back to accommodate this crucial second leg, ensuring the team can enter the match fully prepared. This strategic scheduling underscores the importance placed on the continental competition by the club and the league.
The team, nicknamed “Anak Dewa” (Children of God), will be relying on a strong performance from their squad. The question remains whether they can translate potential into a decisive victory and secure a spot in the semifinal. The composition of the Dewa United team certainly suggests they have the capability, but the outcome will depend on the players’ determination and execution on the field.
Match Details and What to Expect
Dewa United vs. Manila Digger FC
Stadion Indomilk Arena, Tangerang
Thursday, March 12, 2026
20:30 WIB (8:30 PM Indonesian Western Time)
This is Manila Digger’s debut in a continental competition, having lost in the qualifying play-offs of the AFC Champions League Two earlier in the season. They are currently competing in the top-flight of Philippine football, and this season marks their fourth competitive season at that level. Manila Digger is coached by Kim Versales.
Dewa United will need to demonstrate a significant improvement in their attacking prowess compared to the first leg. A strong start and early goal could be vital in shifting the momentum and putting pressure on the visitors. Defensively, they will need to contain the threat posed by Manila Digger’s attack and prevent conceding an away goal, which would significantly complicate their task.
The AFC Challenge League provides a platform for clubs from developing football nations to compete on the continental stage. For both Dewa United and Manila Digger, this competition represents a significant opportunity to showcase their talent and progress as clubs.
Fans can watch the match live on RCTI and Vision+. The broadcast will provide comprehensive coverage of the match, including pre-game analysis, live commentary, and post-match reactions.
The stakes are high as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinal. Dewa United, playing in front of their home crowd, will be determined to overturn the first-leg deficit and advance in the tournament. Manila Digger, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their first-leg advantage and secure their place in the next round.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to demonstrate their capabilities and compete for a place in the AFC Challenge League semifinal.
Following this crucial match, Dewa United’s schedule will resume with domestic league commitments. The outcome of this tie will undoubtedly impact the team’s morale and momentum heading into those fixtures.
Worth a look
