Persib Bandung demonstrated their never-say-die mentality when facing Port FC in the opening Group B fixture of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup 2026/2027. After falling behind first, Maung Bandung mounted a full turnaround to secure a 3-1 victory at Thammasat Stadium, Thailand, on Thursday (8/10/2026).
Three goals scored in the final nine minutes capped off Persib's dramatic comeback. This win was not down to pure luck. Tactical adjustments, calculated substitution decisions, and the ability to seize momentum were the core drivers behind this revival.
This analysis was presented as part of Itsme Podcast featuring Football Analysts Ronny Pangemanan and Kesit Budi Handoyo. The recording took place at Sentul Studio, Bogor on Friday (9/10/2026), hosted by Pudila and Gilang Respaty.
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Tactical Shifts Proved To Be The Turning Point
Persib operated with a relatively cautious approach throughout the first half. Neither side found the net before the half-time break, despite Port FC applying consistent attacking pressure.
The match dynamic shifted when Port FC were awarded a penalty converted by Jude Soonsup-Bell in the 66th minute. Trailing on the scoresheet, Persib were forced to escalate their attacking output without sacrificing defensive stability.
Head coach Igor Tolic responded by introducing substitute players including Thom Haye and Mariano Peralta in the 76th minute. This change unlocked new attacking patterns and amplified the threat against the home side's defence.
Tolic later explained that playing spaces opened up significantly in the second half. Persib successfully exploited this situation through organised counter attacks and improved on-pitch player positioning.
Thom Haye And Peralta Rewrote The Match Flow
The introduction of Thom Haye and Mariano Peralta at the 76th minute gave Persib fresh avenues to build attacks. Maung Bandung's play became noticeably more aggressive, particularly as gaps began to open in Port FC's defensive line.
Peralta acted as the catalyst for Persib's revival. In the 87th minute, he converted a delivery from Balsa Sekulic to level the score at 1-1. This goal completely flipped match momentum and lifted the entire squad's confidence.
This momentum was capitalised on perfectly. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, Berguinho put Persib 2-1 ahead. Thom Haye initiated this attack with a pinpoint long ball, before Luka Menalo provided the final assist for Berguinho. Four minutes later, Menalo sealed the 3-1 victory after receiving an assist from Peralta.
Coaching Acumen And Player Resilience
Persib's comeback showcased Igor Tolic's sharp in-match reading ability. The substitutions provided fresh attacking alternatives, while the adjusted game plan allowed Persib to fully exploit available pitch space.
However, tactical decisions yield nothing without proper on-field execution. Persib's players demonstrated remarkable courage to keep pushing forward even as the match clock ran down.
Peralta's equaliser served as the critical turning point that reignited the team's belief. From that moment, Persib maintained control of the momentum until Berguinho and Menalo completed the dramatic turnaround.
The combination of calculated coaching calls, impactful substitute contributions, and unyielding fighting spirit was the foundation for Maung Bandung's victory in Thailand.
Positive Momentum For Persib's Campaign
This 3-1 win over Port FC provides a strong positive foundation for Persib in the Shopee Cup group stage. The result proves the team's ability to adapt and capitalise on opportunities when placed under pressure.
Nonetheless, Persib will need to establish consistent performance right from kickoff, rather than repeatedly relying on late-match comebacks. Against more disciplined opposition, sustained effectiveness across the full 90 minutes will become a decisive factor.
This comeback performance in Thailand has laid bare Persib's true potential. Thom Haye laid the tactical groundwork, Peralta shifted the match tide, while Berguinho and Menalo delivered the winning finish.
