Persib Bandung’s ACL 2 Destiny On The Line Against Bangkok United
Persib Bandung’s future in Asian competition will be decided on the final matchday of Group G in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) 2025/26. The BRI Super League 2025/26 side host Thailand’s Bangkok United at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium on Wednesday (10/12), needing at least a draw to control their own fate.
Anything less than a point would put Persib’s qualification hopes at the mercy of the other Group G fixture, with Lion City Sailors from Singapore waiting to pounce if the Indonesian giants slip.
Riding domestic momentum into a decisive Asian night
Head coach Bojan Hodak approaches the game with confidence. Persib Bandung are in excellent form domestically in the BRI Super League 2025/26 after a statement 3–1 win over league leaders Borneo FC Samarinda last week. That victory extended their impressive run and lifted team morale at a crucial moment.
“We played against Borneo FC four days ago and performed very well. Every win has a positive impact and from our last nine matches we have won eight times. That gives our players a very good feeling,” Hodak explained.
The coach knows that such form must now translate onto the Asian stage. For fans constantly checking the Persib Bandung schedule in Liga 1 and the BRI Super League, this ACL 2 showdown feels like the natural peak of their season so far.
Bangkok United: a serious test from Thailand
Bangkok United are far from an easy opponent. The team led by Totchawan Sripan are currently sitting near the top of the Thai League table, in fourth place. Similarly, Persib Bandung occupy third position in the BRI Super League 2025/26 standings, underlining how evenly matched the two clubs are.
The first meeting in Thailand ended in a 2–0 win for Persib, thanks to goals from French striker Andrew Jung and Brazilian forward Uilliam Barros. That result adds extra emotional spice to the return fixture, with many expecting Bangkok United to push hard for revenge in Bandung.
“This will be a difficult match because it is between the two best teams in the group. The first game in Thailand was also tough,” Hodak admitted. “But now we will play in front of a full home crowd, and I hope we can get a positive result.”
A match that matters for Persib – and for Indonesia
The final Group G clash is not only vital for Persib; it also carries major significance for Indonesian football. A place for Persib Bandung in the ACL 2 round of 16 would strengthen the reputation of the BRI Super League and the Indonesia Super League era in Asian competition.
Captain Marc Klok is fully aware of what is at stake. The midfielder wants to lead Maung Bandung into the knockout phase and “write history” with the club.
“I think this will be a beautiful match. It is very important for Indonesia and Persib. We need to understand where we stand. We know what we want to achieve – it is time to write history for this club, for this city and also for this country,” Klok said.
Persib cannot afford to lose. Defeat could see them overtaken in the standings by Lion City Sailors FC, who play their final group game in Malaysia. Klok is clear: he does not want Persib’s destiny to depend on results elsewhere.
“I hope we can win and decide our own fate in Asia. We are very excited for this match,” he added.
Injury boosts and selection questions for Hodak
There is some good news on the squad front. Several Persib players who have been sidelined with injuries may return to the matchday squad. Goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam and French striker Andrew Jung are both in contention after recovering, although their status as starters remains uncertain.
Despite their potential availability, Hodak is expected to be cautious, given both players missed the previous game. The coaching and medical teams will balance the need for fresh legs with the risk of rushing key players back too soon in such a high-intensity fixture.
With a packed schedule for Persib Bandung in Liga 1 and the BRI Super League, managing fitness levels will be as important as tactical decisions on the night.
PSIM Yogyakarta Handed Major Boost As Donny Warmerdam Returns
While Persib prepare for a decisive Asian night, another important storyline in Indonesian football comes from Yogyakarta. PSIM Yogyakarta’s Dutch midfielder Donny Warmerdam finally stepped back onto the pitch on Monday (8/12), joining the team’s evening session at Mandala Krida Stadium.
The foreign signing has yet to make his official debut for PSIM in the BRI Super League 2025/26. He suffered a Weber fracture in his ankle during pre-season, keeping him out for several months and delaying his first appearance in Indonesia’s top flight.
The long recovery process has tested his patience, but Warmerdam’s mood on his return to the grass said everything.
“My condition is very good. I’m happy to be back on the pitch. I really missed the smell of the grass,” he said with a big smile.
Gradual return under close medical supervision
Even though he has rejoined team activities, PSIM’s medical staff are taking a careful approach. Club doctor Hansel confirmed that Warmerdam will initially train individually on the side of the pitch rather than jump straight into full sessions with his team-mates.
“We have to check first whether the function of his leg has fully returned,” Hansel explained.
According to the doctor, Donny’s physical condition has improved significantly after intensive treatment, hospital checks and ongoing physiotherapy sessions.
“His condition is much better now compared to the early stages of the injury,” Hansel said.
For now, Warmerdam’s training programme focuses on basic muscle strengthening, using only body weight and physical drills without the ball. Only once he passes all functional tests will he be allowed to join full team training and eventually be considered for PSIM Yogyakarta’s Liga 1 match schedule.
The club’s staff are determined not to risk a setback by pushing him too hard, too soon. A fully fit Warmerdam could be a major asset for PSIM in the second half of the BRI Super League 2025/26 season.
Persis Solo Close To Appointing New Head Coach
In Solo, another crucial decision is being made off the pitch. Persis Solo’s management has moved quickly to respond to the team’s poor results in the BRI Super League 2025/26 by accelerating the search for a new permanent head coach.
At the moment, Persis are being led by caretaker coach Tithan Suryata following the departure of Dutch manager Peter de Roo. De Roo has not been on the bench since matchweek 12, when Persis hosted PSIM Yogyakarta at Manahan Stadium in Solo on Saturday (8/11).
The new head coach will have to immediately prepare the team for their next challenge: a week 15 clash against Dewa United FC at Banten International Stadium on Saturday (20/12). With the Persis Solo BRI Liga 1 schedule getting tougher, there is little time to waste.
Final stages of the recruitment process
Persis Solo CEO Ginda Ferachtriawan confirmed that the club has already held talks and narrowed down candidates before the international break.
“We are now in the finalisation stage for the team’s new head coach. Management has held interviews to understand the short-term plans for improving the team, including the approach he will choose when he arrives in Solo,” Ginda said.
Beyond the coaching position, Persis are also considering strengthening their squad during the upcoming transfer window.
“We have also discussed efforts to support the team by adding depth to the squad ahead of the transfer market, including bringing in new players,” he added.
Bottom of the table and in need of a lift
Persis Solo currently sit in 18th place – bottom of the standings – with just seven points from 13 matches (one win, four draws and eight defeats). For a club with a passionate fanbase, this is a worrying position, and the new coach will face immediate pressure to deliver results.
Ginda knows how urgent the situation is and wants the appointment completed as soon as possible so the new coach can fully prepare for the match against Dewa United FC.
He also called on all supporters and stakeholders to stay behind the team during this difficult period.
“We ask for support from everyone so we can bring positive change to the team,” Ginda concluded.
From Persib Bandung’s decisive night in ACL 2 to PSIM Yogyakarta’s injury boost and Persis Solo’s coaching changes, this week underlines how dynamic and unpredictable Indonesian football can be. For fans following every Persib Bandung, PSIM Yogyakarta and Persis Solo fixture, the coming matches could shape not only their clubs’ seasons, but also Indonesia’s reputation on the Asian stage.
