Persib Bandung travels to Singapore with Group Stage Advancement within Reach.

Jakarta – Persib Bandung, the Indonesian football powerhouse, stands on the cusp of securing passage to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) with a crucial away fixture against Lion City Sailors in Singapore. The match, slated for Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Bishan Stadium, presents Persib with a favorable equation: a draw will be sufficient to guarantee their progression to the Round of 16.

Currently perched atop Group X with 10 points, Persib holds a slender one-point advantage over Thailand’s Bangkok United. Lion City Sailors, in contrast, find themselves in a precarious position, trailing with a mere four points. For the Singaporean side, victory is imperative to keep their hopes of advancing in the competition alive. The equation is simple for the Sailors: win, or face elimination.

The stakes are high, and the atmosphere surrounding the match is palpable. Persib’s Croatian head coach, Bojan Hodak, has acknowledged the challenging nature of the encounter. "We will face another difficult game. For Lion City, they basically have to win. For us, we don’t feel pressure because everything is still possible for us," Hodak stated, as reported by detikJabar. He further added, "For them, this is a must-win game. I think they will play all out."

Despite possessing a statistical advantage and a more comfortable path to qualification, Persib is wary of underestimating their Singaporean counterparts. Lion City Sailors, runners-up in the previous ACL 2 season, have experienced a turbulent campaign this year, struggling to replicate their previous success in the group stage. The contrast between their past achievements and current form underscores the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of maintaining focus and composure.

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Hodak is keen to ensure that his players remain unfazed by the opponent’s reputation and pedigree. He emphasizes the need to maintain the positive momentum that has propelled Persib through a remarkable run of form, securing seven consecutive victories across all competitions, including ACL 2 and the Indonesian Super League. This impressive streak has instilled confidence within the team and fostered a winning mentality that Hodak hopes will translate into a positive result in Singapore.

"They (Lion City) were finalists last season. I just hope we can show a good game and get a positive result," Hodak remarked, highlighting the team’s ambition to not only qualify but also to perform at their best on the continental stage.

Persib’s journey to this pivotal match has been marked by tactical flexibility and a cohesive team effort. The team’s attacking prowess has been spearheaded by a dynamic forward line, while the midfield has provided both creativity and stability. The defense, marshaled by experienced campaigners, has proven difficult to breach, contributing to the team’s impressive winning streak.

Key players for Persib include veteran striker David da Silva, who has been in prolific form, and creative midfielder Beckham Putra Nugraha, whose vision and passing range have unlocked opposition defenses. The defensive line is anchored by captain Achmad Jufriyanto, whose leadership and organizational skills have been crucial in maintaining defensive solidity.

Lion City Sailors, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency this season. Despite boasting talented players in their squad, they have failed to translate individual brilliance into collective success. Their attacking threat is primarily led by Brazilian forward Diego Lopes, while their midfield is orchestrated by veteran midfielder Hariss Harun. However, defensive vulnerabilities have plagued their campaign, contributing to their current predicament.

The upcoming match is not just about qualification; it is also about momentum and psychological advantage. A victory for Persib would not only secure their place in the Round of 16 but also send a strong message to their potential opponents. It would solidify their status as a genuine contender in the competition and boost their confidence heading into the knockout stages.

For Lion City Sailors, a win would be a lifeline, reigniting their hopes of progressing and restoring their confidence after a disappointing campaign. It would also provide a much-needed boost to Singaporean football, which has been striving to make its mark on the continental stage.

The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams adopting contrasting approaches. Persib is likely to focus on maintaining possession, controlling the tempo of the game, and exploiting any defensive vulnerabilities in the Lion City Sailors’ backline. Lion City Sailors, on the other hand, are expected to adopt a more aggressive approach, pressing high up the pitch and attempting to disrupt Persib’s rhythm.

The tactical battle between the two coaches, Hodak and his Lion City Sailors counterpart, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Hodak’s experience and tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to outwit his opponent and guide his team to victory.

The Bishan Stadium is expected to be packed with passionate fans, creating an electric atmosphere. The home support will undoubtedly spur Lion City Sailors on, while Persib’s traveling fans will be eager to witness their team secure qualification.

The refereeing of the match will also be under scrutiny, as crucial decisions could potentially impact the outcome. Both teams will be hoping for fair and unbiased officiating, ensuring that the focus remains on the football.

Beyond the immediate implications of the match, the outcome could also have a significant impact on the broader landscape of Southeast Asian football. Persib’s success in the ACL 2 would further enhance the reputation of Indonesian football, while Lion City Sailors’ struggles would highlight the challenges facing Singaporean clubs in competing at the continental level.

The match promises to be a captivating spectacle, filled with drama, excitement, and tactical intrigue. Football fans across the region will be eagerly anticipating the outcome, as Persib Bandung seeks to secure their place in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16. The encounter represents a significant test for both teams, with qualification and pride on the line.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.