The management of Persib Bandung welcomes the achievement of qualifying for the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL 2) 2025/2026 as an important moment to bring the club’s name to the Asian stage.

Persib Bandung Manager, Umuh Muchtar, stated that the management is ready to provide full support so the Maung Bandung squad can advance further in this Asian-level competition.

He revealed that management has discussed with the board of directors regarding financial readiness for the knockout phase.

According to him, although operational costs in the later stages will be higher, the club remains ready to compete.

“We must go global. Persib must go global,” he said.

He believes that the achievement of reaching the round of 16 has made Persib’s name more widely known in the Asian region. “Just by entering the round of 16, the world, especially Asia, already knows Persib. Those who didn’t know before now know that Persib is one of the best in Indonesia. We were able to defeat teams from Bangkok and Malaysia. This is extraordinary, it carries Indonesia’s name,” he said.

He emphasized that this success is not only an achievement for the club but also a pride for Indonesian football. In the new ACL 2 format, no Indonesian club has been able to reach the round of 16. Therefore, he called Persib’s achievement a new history for the nation.

“This is extraordinary because it carries Indonesia’s name. No Indonesian club has ever entered the AFC round of 16 in the new format. So this is truly a source of pride, bringing Indonesia’s name to the Asian level,” he stated.

Management hopes this achievement will motivate the players to perform with more confidence in the upcoming matches. He also emphasized the importance of supporter support and consistent performance so that Persib’s journey on the Asian stage can continue.

Marc Klok Talks About Persib Bandung's Emotional Match Against Malut United

Persib Bandung captain, Marc Klok, acknowledged that the match against Malut United will feel different.

That club is now strengthened by several former Persib players.

Klok described the meeting as an emotional moment and a unique challenge.

“They are my colleagues, my former teammates, and my friends. There’s still a bit of a sad feeling because we had to part ways and we made history together,” said Klok.

According to him, the situation is unique because players who were once together in the Persib dressing room are now on the opposing side. Nevertheless, professionalism remains the priority.

“It’s a bit funny because now we are opponents and each wants to win. We need the three points, so we will give our all. But of course, it’s nice to meet my friends again,” he said.

Klok views the away match against Malut as an important part of Persib’s journey to maintain consistency in the domestic competition.

Persib Bandung

Persib Bandung is a professional football club based in Bandung, Indonesia, founded in 1933 during the Dutch colonial era. It is one of the country’s oldest and most popular clubs, historically representing the Sundanese people of West Java. The club has won multiple national league titles and is renowned for its intense rivalry with Persija Jakarta.

AFC Champions League 2

The AFC Champions League 2 is a professional men’s football club competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), first launched in 2024. It serves as the second-tier tournament in Asia’s club football structure, sitting directly below the elite AFC Champions League Elite, and was created as part of a major reform of the continent’s club competitions to increase competitiveness and opportunities for more nations.

Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, was founded in 1782 as the seat of the Chakri Dynasty and the new capital after the fall of Ayutthaya. Today, it is a bustling metropolis renowned for its ornate temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, which contrast with its vibrant street life and modern skyscrapers.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a modern Southeast Asian nation formed in 1963, but its history spans ancient maritime kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and European colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Culturally, it is a vibrant multi-ethnic society, predominantly Malay, Chinese, and Indian, which is reflected in its official religion of Islam, diverse languages, festivals, and cuisine. Notable cultural sites include the historic cities of Melaka and George Town, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their unique architectural and cultural tapestry.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago of over 17,000 islands, historically shaped by influential Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, the spread of Islam, and centuries of Dutch colonial rule. It is a culturally diverse nation, home to significant sites like the Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. It declared independence in 1945 and is now the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.

Malut United

I’m unable to find any verifiable information on a significant place or cultural site named “Malut United.” It’s possible the name may be misspelled, refer to a very localized or unofficial name, or be a specific organization rather than a public cultural landmark.

To provide an accurate summary, could you please double-check the spelling or provide any additional context, such as its location or what type of site it is?

Persija Jakarta

Persija Jakarta is a professional football club based in Jakarta, Indonesia, founded in 1928 during the Dutch colonial era, making it one of the oldest and most storied clubs in the country. It is renowned for its intense rivalry with Persib Bandung, known as the “Indonesian Super Clasico,” and has a massive, passionate fanbase called “The Jakmania.” The club has won multiple Indonesian league titles and is a central pillar of the nation’s sporting culture.

Patriot Chandra Baga Stadium

Patriot Chandra Baga Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Mataram on the island of Lombok, Indonesia. It was inaugurated in 2011 and is primarily used for football matches, serving as the home ground for PSKT West Sumbawa. The stadium is named in honor of a local figure, Chandra Baga, who was recognized as a patriot in Indonesia’s struggle for independence.