Mutombo's Late Goal Secures Persib Bandung as Champions of the 2026 Dewata Challenge Series

Persib Bandung emerged as champions of the 2026 Dewata Challenge Series after dramatically defeating Bali United with a final score of 3-2. In a match that saw two red cards issued, Maung Bandung fell behind on two separate occasions before eventually securing the winning result.

Playing at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium on Tuesday, Persib held the upper hand in building attacking plays right from kick-off, while Bali United opted to exploit open space through counter-attacking moves.

Persib were left stunned by an apparent goal from Teppei Yachida in the 33rd minute, finished off a cross delivered from the right flank. This strike was ultimately disallowed however, as the ball was ruled to have gone out of play before the cross was made.

Yachida created another scoring chance for himself in the 38th minute. On this occasion, his struck effort from inside the penalty box went straight into the arms of goalkeeper Fitrah Maulana.

Bali United earned another goalscoring opportunity just before half time, via a 44th minute corner taken by Yachida. Brandon Wilson's close range attempt from the resulting set piece failed to alter the scoreline.

Serdadu Tridatu finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute of the second half. Remco Balk fired an effort that was blocked, before the loose ball was struck home by Wilson from outside the penalty area.

Persib Fight Back After Bali United Reduced To Ten Men

Bali United's lead would not last long. Persib were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute, after Thomas Lam fouled Uilliam Barros inside the penalty box.

The referee also issued a straight red card to Lam, leaving Bali United to play the remainder of the match with 10 players on the pitch.

Marc Klok stepped up to take the spot kick, successfully sending Danijel Loncar the wrong way. Persib equalised the score to 1-1 in the 57th minute.

Despite being down to ten men, Bali United continued to push forward on the attack. Just two minutes later, Serdadu Tridatu retook the lead. Joao Ferarri scored with a headed finish, converting a free kick cross delivered by Yachida from the right side.

The scoreline now stood at 2-1 in favour of Bali United.

Persib ramped up their attacking pressure, and managed to pull level once again to make it 2-2 late in the match.

Late Mutombo Header Secures Title For Persib

In the 89th minute, Persib turned the match around to take a 3-2 lead courtesy of a headed goal from Gabriel Mutombo.

There was still more drama to unfold. Mutombo was immediately shown a red card, receiving his second yellow card for what was deemed excessive goal celebration.

Both sides would finish the remainder of the fixture with 10 players each on the pitch.

Bali United attempted to use the remaining game time to find an equalising goal, forcing Persib to maintain disciplined defensive organisation through the final minutes.

No further goals were scored before the referee blew the full time whistle.

Persib confirmed their 3-2 victory, and were crowned winners of the 2026 Dewata Challenge Series.

Persib vs Bali United Match Lineups

Persib Bandung: Fitrah Maulana; Danijel Loncar, Patricio Matricardi, Eliano Reijnders, Ikhwan Tanamal; Thom Haye, Marc Klok, Dedi Kusnandar, Beckham Putra, Uilliam Barros, Ragnar Oratmangoen.

Bali United: Mike Hauptmeijer; Kadek Arel, Thomas Lam, Tim Geypens; Brandon Wilson, Teppei Yachida, Queven Inacio, Thijmen Goppel, Remco Balk, Irfan Jaya; Jort van der Sande.