Persib Bandung is urged to focus on facing Manila Digger first, before advancing to enter the ACL 2 group stage phase.

Persib Bandung have been instructed not to fixate on the results of the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) group stage draw for the time being. Adhitia Putra Herawan, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat (PBB), confirmed that Maung Bandung must currently direct full focus towards their playoff fixture against Philippine representatives Manila Digger on 31 August.

The draw event held in Kuala Lumpur placed the winner of the Persib vs Manila Digger match into Group E, alongside South Korea's FC Seoul, Australia's Melbourne Victory and Vietnam's The Cong-Viettel.

This group composition illustrates the tough level of competition Persib will face if they progress. However, Adhitia has asked the squad not to discuss the group stage prematurely, before they have officially secured qualification to the main tournament rounds.

"But the most important thing right now is that we qualify first. No matter who we are up against, we just need to get the win first, so that we can advance to the next stage," stated Adhitia, as quoted from Persib's official website on Wednesday.

Persib will host this decisive match in Bandung. With home advantage, Maung Bandung have the opportunity to seal their group stage spot in front of their own supporters.

Should they defeat Manila Digger, Persib will enter a group stage with very different challenges compared to the previous season.

Beyond the quality of opposing teams, Persib will also face significant travel distance challenges. While last season most fixtures were hosted across Southeast Asia in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, this campaign will require travel as far as Australia and South Korea.

These increased travel distances carry risk of impacting the players' physical condition, especially with an already congested match schedule.

"But first and foremost, we just have to get through this qualifier on the 31st (of August)," he concluded.

For this reason, Persib's immediate priority is not calculating their chances of progressing out of Group E, but first confirming they are able to overcome Manila Digger.

Persib's History In Asian Competition

Persib have competed in continental Asian tournaments for the last two consecutive seasons. Last campaign, the side nicknamed the Blue Prince were knocked out at the Round of 16 by Thai club Ratchaburi.

This result marked an improvement from the prior season, where Persib failed to advance past the group stage and finished at the very bottom of their group.

Now, the chance to return to the ACL 2 group stage has arrived, accompanied by far greater challenges.

FC Seoul is one of the most experienced elite clubs from South Korea. Melbourne Victory also hold a long established record in Asian continental competition, while The Cong-Viettel are counted amongst Vietnam's strongest domestic sides.