Port FC defender Manuel Tom Bihr issued a measured response after his club conceded three late goals to suffer a 1-3 defeat against Persib Bandung at Thammasat Stadium in Thailand on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The continental setback arrived just days after Bihr experienced a penalty shootout defeat with the Thailand national team against Indonesia in the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Jakarta.
Port FC Concedes Three Late Goals to Persib Bandung
Port FC held the upper hand during their opening match in Group B of the ASEAN Club Championship 2026/2027, according to match reports from viva.co.id. Jude Soonsup-Bell broke the deadlock for the Thai hosts in the 66th minute by converting a penalty kick at Thammasat Stadium. Despite controlling the tempo for much of the second half, Port FC failed to secure the clean sheet.
MerahPutih.com noted that Persib Bandung orchestrated a dramatic late comeback in the closing minutes of regulation and stoppage time. Mariano Peralta leveled the score for the visiting Indonesian side in the 87th minute. Midfielder Berguinho added a second goal in the 94th minute before Luka Menalo sealed the 1-3 victory with a strike in the 96th minute.
Manuel Bihr Responds to the Result
Speaking to media outlets following the full-time whistle, Manuel Tom Bihr urged his teammates to process the disappointment constructively rather than dwell on the collapse. viva.co.id published the defender’s remarks regarding the squad’s immediate outlook.
We take the positives, learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward,
Bihr stated, as reported by viva.co.id. The 33-year-old center-back added, Move on to the next one.
MerahPutih.com observed that Bihr shared a similar sentiment via his official Instagram account, reiterating the need for the Thai club to pivot quickly toward upcoming domestic and continental fixtures.
Consecutive Losses to Indonesian Opponents Within a Week
The continental defeat compounded a difficult week for Bihr on the international stage. Sumbawanews.com reported that four days prior, on Monday, October 5, 2026, Bihr played the full 120 minutes for the Thailand national team in the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 against Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
During that international fixture, Thailand rallied from a deficit through goals from Iklas Sanron and Peeradol Chamrasamee before Elkan Baggott equalized for Indonesia in the 116th minute to force a 2-2 draw. In the subsequent penalty shootout, Bihr successfully converted his attempt, but two of his teammates missed, allowing Indonesia to claim a 4-2 shootout victory and the tournament trophy.
pasjabar documented additional tension from the medal ceremony in Jakarta, noting that Bihr did not reciprocate a handshake from Indonesia defender Justin Hubner as the Thai players walked toward the podium to collect their silver medals. Sumbawanews.com added that Bihr also bypassed a greeting from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the post-match presentations.
Group Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The victory propelled Persib Bandung into second place in the Group B standings of the ASEAN Club Championship, establishing a strong early position in the regional tournament. Johor Darul Ta’zim leads the group following a 6-0 victory over PKR Svay Rieng, while Cong An Ha Noi sits third after defeating Lion City Sailors 1-0.
Port FC dropped to sixth place in the group standings following the home defeat. The club’s schedule dictates a return to continental action on November 19, 2026, when Port FC travels to face PKR Svay Rieng at Morodok Techno Stadium.
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