Persib Bandung wrote another heroic chapter on the Asian stage. Visiting Selangor FC on Matchday 4 of Group G in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 (Thursday, November 6), Maung Bandung produced a dramatic turnaround to claim a 3-2 victory after trailing by two goals in the first half.
This win was not about luck—it was about intelligence, determination, and strategy. Coach Bojan Hodak read the game perfectly, making key second-half adjustments that completely shifted the momentum.
Adam Alis became the standout performer with two crucial goals, but the entire team contributed to securing a victory that solidified Persib’s top spot in Group G.
With this result, Persib remain unbeaten in the group stage: four matches, three wins, and one draw, totaling 10 points—one step closer to advancing to the knockout rounds.
Behind that impressive record, however, lie three key factors that made this dramatic comeback possible.
1. Relentless Pressure and Iron Mentality
Persib’s third goal may have come from a mistake by Selangor FC’s goalkeeper Sikh Izhan, but calling it luck would be wrong. That error was forced by Persib’s relentless high press throughout the second half.
Izhan faced 23 shots, made eight saves, and even required medical attention due to fatigue—evidence of how intense Persib’s pressure was.
This constant attack demonstrated not only tactical efficiency but also extraordinary mental resilience. The players refused to settle for a 2-2 draw and kept pushing until they found the winner.
This “never give up” attitude reflects Bojan Hodak’s vision: a team that combines physical intensity with tactical intelligence and courage until the final whistle.
2. Bojan Hodak’s Masterclass: Smart Changes, Instant Impact
Whatever Hodak said during halftime clearly worked. Persib came out with renewed energy, sharper focus, and greater aggression. But beyond motivation, his substitutions changed everything.
The four players introduced—Robi Darwis, Adam Alis, Beckham Putra, and Ramon Tanque—all made an immediate impact. Ramon Tanque may not have scored, but his presence disrupted Selangor’s defensive rhythm, creating space for others.
Meanwhile, Adam Alis delivered two decisive goals to complete the comeback. This was not just tactical brilliance but also a testament to Hodak’s courage to trust his bench and read the game’s momentum perfectly.
3. The Adam Alis–Marc Klok Connection
While Adam Alis stole the spotlight, Marc Klok was the heartbeat behind Persib’s comeback. On Alis’s first goal, Klok intercepted the ball, led a fast transition, and provided the perfect assist for a lethal left-foot finish.
Their chemistry has been developing over time, and this season, it has reached a new level. In their first meeting against Selangor at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, the Klok–Alis duo also combined for a goal through a quick counterattack.
Together, they’ve become Persib’s secret weapon—a blend of vision, precision, and perfect timing.
Group G Standings – AFC Champions League Two 2025/26
After Matchday 4:
- Persib Bandung – 10 pts (3W, 1D, 0L, GD +5)
- Bangkok United – 9 pts (3W, 0D, 1L, GD +2)
- Lion City Sailors FC – 4 pts (1W, 1D, 2L, GD 0)
- Selangor FC – 0 pts (0W, 0D, 4L, GD -7)
