Indonesian club Persib bandung advanced to the AFC Champions League Two round of 16 Wednesday, securing their place at the top of Group G with a decisive 1-0 victory over Bangkok United.
The result marks a milestone for the Bandung-based club, demonstrating their increasing competitiveness on the asian stage and extending their undefeated run in the group stage to six matches. eleven teams have now qualified for the knockout round, setting the stage for a regionalized tournament beginning February 10, 2026.
Bandung –
Persib Bandung has secured a spot in the round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2). The Indonesian club clinched their advancement with a 1-0 victory over Bangkok United on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.
Ramon Tanque’s decisive goal propelled Persib to the top of Group G with 13 points, guaranteeing their place in the knockout stage. This marks a significant achievement for the club, showcasing their growing strength in Asian competition.
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Bangkok United also advanced as the Group G runner-up, finishing with 10 points and holding the tiebreaker over Lion City Sailors, who also accumulated 10 points. The result sets up an exciting knockout stage for both teams.
With Persib Bandung and Bangkok United’s qualification, 11 teams have now secured their places in the ACL 2 round of 16. Seven clubs represent the Eastern region, while four hail from the Western region.
The Eastern region’s qualified teams include Gamba Osaka (Japan), Macarthur FC (Australia), Cong An Ha Noi (Vietnam), Tampines Rovers (Singapore), Pohang Steelers (Korea South), Persib Bandung (Indonesia), and Bangkok United (Thailand).
From the Western region, Al Wasl (United Arab Emirates), Sepahan (Iran), Al Hussein (Jordan), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) have earned their spots in the next round.
The round of 16 is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2026, with teams divided by region and competing in a home-and-away knockout tournament. The draw to determine matchups will take place on December 30.
Persib Bandung (Eastern region) can only face Al Nassr (Western region), featuring superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, should both teams reach the ACL 2 final. The championship match is set for May 17, 2026, at the home stadium of the Western region finalist.
Teams Qualified for the 2025/2026 ACL 2 Round of 16
Eastern Region: Gamba Osaka (Japan), Macarthur FC (Australia), Cong An Ha Noi (Vietnam), Tampines Rovers (Singapore), Pohang Steelers (Korea South), Persib Bandung (Indonesia), Bangkok United (Thailand).
Western Region: Al Wasl (United Arab Emirates), Sepahan (Iran), Al Hussein (Jordan), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia).
(bay/mrp)
