Persib's Campaign in ACL Two: First Indonesian Team to Secure a Win in Australia, Books Ticket to the Round of 16

Persib Bandung has etched a historic milestone on the Asian Football stage. Known as Maung Bandung, the club became the first ever Indonesian team to secure an away victory on Australian soil after defeating Melbourne Victory 2-1 on Group E Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) 2026/2027 tournament. 

This win at AAMI Park on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 carried special weight, as Persib were forced to fight until the dying minutes to overturn the Match Result. 

After falling behind to a 71st minute own goal from Julio Cesar, Igor Tolic's side responded with two comeback goals scored by Luka Menalo and Balsa Sekulic.

This result also officially confirmed Persib's progression to the Round of 16. The club tops Group E with an unblemished record, having collected 12 points from four matches played.

Per official AFC reports, Persib is the first team in Group E to secure knockout stage qualification. 

In other Match Results, FC Seoul defeated The Cong-Viettel 3-0. This victory lifts FC Seoul to 6 points and second place in the provisional group standings. 

Melbourne Victory sits third with 4 points, while The Cong-Viettel occupies the bottom of the group table with just 1 point. 

Even with two group matches still remaining, no rival side can mathematically knock Persib out of the top two group positions. 

ACL Two competition rules state that the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16. This season's tournament features 32 participating clubs split across 8 groups. 

Persib's Fight To Turn The Match Around

Persib faced multiple challenges from the opening kickoff. Melbourne Victory played with high aggression in front of their home supporters, repeatedly testing Fitrah Maulana in goal.

Persib created their first scoring chance through Uilliam Barros in the 7th minute, though his strike from inside the penalty box drifted wide. Another opportunity arrived in the 33rd minute when Balsa Sekulic's effort struck the crossbar.

Melbourne Victory nearly opened the scoring through Harrison Sawyer in the 52nd minute, only for his shot to hit the Persib goalpost.

Melbourne Victory finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute. An error from Fitrah Maulana dealing with an incoming cross saw the Goalkeeper spill the ball.

Brendan Hamill latched onto the loose ball directly in front of goal. Julio Cesar's attempted clearance deflected into his own net for the opening goal.

Trailing by one, Persib intensified their attacking pressure. Igor Tolic introduced Marc Klok, Luka Menalo and Mariano Peralta to add extra drive in midfield and the forward line.

This tactical change delivered immediate results. Menalo equalised in the 85th minute, finishing a loose ball inside the Melbourne Victory penalty area.

Five minutes later, Persib sealed the victory. Mariano Peralta played a low through ball which Sekulic converted with an accurate finish past Melbourne goalkeeper Jack Duncan.

This landmark win received recognition from Australian football authorities. The A-Leagues officially acknowledged Persib as the first Indonesian club ever to win a competitive fixture in Australia. 

Match records show approximately 3,400 spectators attended the game, the vast majority of whom were travelling Persib supporters that made the trip to Melbourne. 

Menalo Proud To Help Persib Make History

Luka Menalo stated he feels honoured to be part of his team's historic achievement. The Croatian forward noted that this victory in Australia carries huge significance not just for Persib, but for Indonesian Football overall.

"We are incredibly proud and happy to be the first Indonesian team ever to win in Australia," Menalo commented.

He explained that tactical adjustments and the impact of substitute players were the critical factors behind Persib's comeback after falling behind.

"I think we really caught them off guard after they scored. We adjusted our game structure, and every player that came off the bench brought fresh energy for the whole team. This is an incredible win, we are all absolutely delighted," he added.

This victory over Melbourne Victory extends Persib's perfect run in Group E. Four consecutive wins gives Maung Bandung strong momentum ahead of their final two group matches before entering the 2026/2027 ACL Two knockout stages.