ACC 2026/2027: Persib Defeats Port FC, Maung Bandung Pull Off Dramatic Comeback in Thailand

Persib Bandung began their 2026/2027 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) campaign with a dramatic victory. Having fallen behind against Port FC, Maung Bandung mounted a comeback to score three goals in the final 10 minutes, securing a 3-1 win at Thammasat Stadium, Klong Luang, Thailand on Thursday night.

Persib took control of the tempo right from the opening minutes. The side nicknamed Blue Prince repeatedly probed the home team's defensive line, but failed to convert their sustained pressure into goals.

Persib created their first proper chance in the 16th minute. Rosembergne Berguinho delivered a ball into the dangerous area which was cleared by Port FC Goalkeeper Michael Aksel Bataican, only resulting in a corner kick.

Three minutes later, Port FC turned the tables to cause panic in front of Persib's goal. Eliano Reijnders reacted quickly to read the play and clear the ball before the attack could develop into a serious threat.

Port FC threatened again in the 23rd minute, but Erik Sviatchenko's strike was pushed away by Teja Paku Alam.

Persib responded just two minutes later through Berguinho, whose close range flick inside the penalty box was blocked by Bataican.

Luka Menalo attempted to break the deadlock in the 30th minute, but his shot was successfully stopped by Port FC's defence.

Uilliam Barros found space for an attempt in the 39th minute, however his shot from inside the penalty box sailed well over the crossbar.

Right before the half time break, Teja once again proved Persib's saviour as he denied a powerful long range effort from Francisco Mendes. Both sides headed into the dressing rooms deadlocked at 0-0.

The second half played out with far higher intensity. Port FC gained the upper hand in the 65th minute, when Tanamal was adjudged to have fouled Francisco Clailson inside the penalty area.

Soonsup Bell stepped up as the penalty taker and converted the spot kick perfectly, Putting Port FC 1-0 ahead.

Persib immediately pushed forward searching for an equaliser. In the 78th minute, Persib appealed strongly for a penalty after Mariano Peralta was brought down by Nitipong Selanon inside the box. However the referee ruled against awarding the penalty following a full VAR review.

This setback did not dampen Persib's attacking momentum. Receiving a laid off pass from Balsa Sekulic, Mariano Peralta drove into the penalty box before firing a precise, well placed finish to bring the scores level at 1-1.

This goal proved the turning point of the entire match. Persib stopped playing just for an equaliser, and shifted fully into hunting for a winning goal.

The breakthrough arrived in the first minute of stoppage time, at 90+1. Luka Menalo played a perfectly weighted through ball to Berguinho, who finished the chance cleanly to turn the scoreline to 2-1 in Persib's favour.

Port FC had barely recovered from this blow when Persib struck once more in injury time. Mariano Peralta pulled off a skilful individual run before sliding a pass through to Menalo.

Menalo met the pass with an accurate headed finish into the Port FC net, closing out the match with a final 3-1 victory for Persib.

This comeback victory marks an extremely positive start for Maung Bandung in Group B of the 2026/2027 ACC. Not only did Persib return from Thailand with all three points, the side also demonstrated their fighting mentality to rally and win even after falling behind.