Port FC vs Persib at ACC 2026: Maung Bandung Aims to Continue Their Winning Streak in the Opening Match

Persib Bandung carry strong momentum as they begin their campaign at the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup 2026. The club, known by their nickname Maung Bandung, are looking to extend their perfect opening-match winning streak when they face Port FC at Thammasat Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday 8 October 2026.

This unbeaten run on opening fixtures was established after Igor Tolic took over as Persib head coach this season. Across every official competition and pre-season tournament, Persib have won their first match every single time.

In the domestic Super League, Persib kicked off their season with an away victory over PSM Makassar. The same feat was repeated in the AFC Champions League Two, when Maung Bandung secured a surprise away win against FC Seoul.

This positive trend was already visible even during pre-season preparations. Persib won their opening fixtures for both the President's Cup and Dewata Challenge tournament held in Bali.

Persib are now aiming to continue this run of opening match victories into the ACC Shopee Cup. Club captain Marc Klok confirmed the entire squad is motivated to launch this new competition with another positive result.

"We have started every one of our campaigns this season with an important win, and tomorrow we need to get off to just as strong a start here in Thailand," he stated during a pre-match press conference at Thammasat Stadium, quoted from Persib's official website on Wednesday 7 October.

Persib also received a squad boost ahead of the fixture. Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen have joined the team camp in Thailand, fresh from helping the Indonesia men's national team lift the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title.

The arrival of the pair is expected to bring positive energy to the Persib dressing room. Both players carry high confidence following their regional international success with the Garuda.

"Regarding Thom and Ragnar, they performed excellently for the national team. They will need a short rest period, but mentally they are in fantastic shape coming off such a winning campaign," Tolic commented.

The return of Haye and Oratmangoen is critical welcome news for Persib, as multiple first team players are unavailable for selection. Beckham Putra Nugraha, Gakuto Notsuda and Danijel Loncar have all been officially ruled out of the match against Port FC.

Alongside these squad updates, all attention will also fall on Sandy Walsh. The defender is in line to make his official competitive debut for Persib in the ACC Shopee Cup.

Walsh will be very familiar with Thai football, having spent the previous season playing for Buriram United.

Despite all the positive momentum heading into the fixture, Tolic has explicitly warned his side against underestimating Port FC. The Thai club are currently competing in the AFC Champions League Elite this season.

Port hold proven continental level experience, and field a number of regular Thailand international players. For this reason, Persib will need to maintain full concentration from the very first kick if they want to return home with all three points.

"This is our first match in this competition. We want to represent our club with pride. We know Port are a very strong side with many national team players. We hope tomorrow will be a fair, good match for both sides," Tolic added.

Persib travel to Bangkok with the clear target of extending their perfect opening match record. However, claiming three points at Thammasat Stadium will be no simple task, with Port FC boasting both the quality and proven experience at Asian continental level.

A victory over Port FC would deliver the ideal start for Persib's 2026 ACC Shopee Cup campaign, while also preserving their positive momentum through the rest of the season.