Lion City Sailors FC, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against Persib Bandung in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 Group G opener at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung.
In front of a raucous home crowd, Saddil Ramdani looked set to give Persib the perfect start to their continental campaign with his second-half strike. But Thy’s towering header deep into injury time stunned the hosts and ensured the Sailors returned to Singapore with a precious away point.
The Indonesian giants started brightly, forcing three corners inside the opening eight minutes as defender Diogo Costa worked overtime to keep the Sailors’ backline intact.
Saddil Ramdani proved a constant menace on the flanks, while Luciano Guaycochea and Eliano Reijnders both tested goalkeeper Ivan Susak, who stood firm with key saves. Persib almost went ahead just before half-time when Federico Barba drilled wide from close range, but the bigger setback came when captain Marc Klok was forced off with an injury, replaced by Thom Haye.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 47th minute. Pouncing on a misplaced pass, Saddil coolly slotted the ball past Ivan to send the Bandung faithful into celebrations and give Persib a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Sailors pressed for a response as Bart Ramselaar and Safuwan Baharudin went close, while Maxime Lestienne grew increasingly influential. His long-range strike in the 69th minute drew a fine save from Teja Paku Alam, who also denied Thy from point-blank range minutes later.
Just when it seemed Persib had done enough to seal three points, the Sailors struck late. In stoppage time, Lestienne whipped in a pinpoint cross and Thy rose highest to head into the corner, silencing the home crowd and sparking jubilant celebrations among the visitors.
The result leaves Group G finely poised, with both sides sharing the spoils in their opening clash. Persib will be frustrated to let victory slip through their grasp, while the Sailors will take heart from their resilience and the impact of their experienced European duo, Lestienne and Thy.
Both clubs now turn their attention to their next fixtures, with every point crucial in the race for progression from the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26.
Credit Photo : AFC
