Qualified for the ACL Two Group Stage Thanks to Mariano Peralta's Late Goal, Persib Is Now Awaiting Tough Opponents

Persib Bandung have officially secured their spot in the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) group stage after defeating Manila Digger FC 1-0 at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Monday evening. The decisive winning goal for Persib was scored deep in the final stages of the match.

New signing striker Mariano Peralta emerged as the match hero with a left-footed finish in the 89th minute. Peralta's goal ended Manila Digger's resistance and confirmed Maung Bandung's qualification to the group phase of Asia's continental club competition.

Persib Struggle To Break Down Manila Digger's Defense

Persib applied immediate pressure from the opening kickoff. Gabriel Mutombo's 5th minute header, connected from Luka Menalo's cross, drifted just wide of the target.

Peralta unleashed a shot in the 22nd minute, but the effort also went wide of goal.

Manila Digger created a counter threat in the 25th minute through Dylan De Bruycker's strike, which was safely parried away by goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam.

Persib won another opportunity in the 30th minute, but Menalo's attacking run was halted cleanly by the Philippine side's defensive line.

The first half concluded with neither side finding the net.

Maung Bandung Sustain Relentless Second Half Pressure

Persib increased their attacking intensity following the half time break. However, Manila Digger maintained disciplined organisation to shut off passing and shooting lanes for Persib's forwards.

Menalo's 53rd minute attempt, followed by a chance for Kakang Rudianto five minutes later, both failed to break the deadlock.

Head coach Igor Tolic made tactical changes in the 77th minute, introducing Danijel Loncar in place of Kakang Rudianto and withdrawing Ragnar Oratmangoen from the pitch.

Persib's sustained pressure finally delivered results as the match reached the 89th minute.

Berguinho played a through pass to Mariano Peralta. The Argentine striker then fired a left-footed shot that flew past the goalkeeper and into Manila Digger's net, putting Persib ahead 1-0.

Manila Digger pushed to find an equalising goal, but failed to create any clear dangerous chances to alter the final scoreline.

Persib officially progress to the 2026/2027 ACL Two group stage.

Persib Drawn Against FC Seoul, Melbourne Victory, and The Cong-Viettel

This victory places Persib into Group E of ACL Two. Maung Bandung will face FC Seoul from South Korea, Melbourne Victory of Australia, and Vietnam's The Cong-Viettel FC during the group phase.

The group stage will present a far stiffer competitive challenge for Persib. However, this win over Manila Digger provides Maung Bandung with critical confidence and momentum heading into the tournament proper.