Bangkok United were stunned by Persib Bandung 2-0 in their AFC Champions League Two Group G tie at the Pathum Thani Stadium on Wednesday night.
Goals from Andrew Jung and Uilliam Barros on either side of half-time secured the victory for the Indonesian visitors, who drew 1-1 with Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in their opener.
Philipe Maia had the first sight of goal in the fifth minute but fired his shot high, while Kyoga Nakamura also came close four minutes later when he tested Persib goalkeeper Teja Paku Alam with a long-range effort.
Persib nearly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Beckham Putra latched onto a wayward clearance with an acrobatic strike that just missed the target.
Maia again threatened Persib’s defence, forcing a fine low save from Teja in the 34th minute.
Persib, however, stunned the home fans in the 42nd minute when Marc Klok played a neat exchange with Uilliam, who then broke into the box to set up Jung for the simplest of finishes.
The Angels were let off the hook at the hour mark when keeper Patiwat Khammai spilled Luciano Guaycochea’s shot onto the path of Jung, who turned the rebound into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Persib doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Jung’s cross into the box was deflected into the path of Uilliam, whose curling effort came off Everton and settled in the back of the net.
Bangkok tried to respond in the closing stages with Seia Kunori and Richairo Zivkovic seeing their efforts thwarted, while Patiwat parried William Marcilio’s shot away as Persib held on for the impressive win.
“It was very disappointing that we couldn’t get three points at our home ground. But the players did well under the circumstances,” said Bangkok head coach Totchtawan Sripan.
“We have to deal with crowded fixtures and injuries although it’s still very early in the season. We had to send in players who are still sick. But of course that’s not an excuse. We just have to manage the rotation better,” he added.
Lion City beat Selangor 4-2 at home to top the group with four points from two games, but have a better goal difference than Persib, who also have four. The Angels are third with three points while Selangor are bottom without a point.
Warriors hope to rebound
Lamphun Warriors host Muang Thong United in Thai League 1 action on Friday.
Lamphun will hope to rebound from last week’s 4-0 defeat to promoted Kanchanaburi Power. They are third from bottom with five points, having won just one of six matches.
Seventh-placed Muang Thong will also look for three points after drawing 1-1 with Nakhon Ratchasima.