Thailand’s Bangkok United will be hoping for another win when they face Indonesian giants Persib Bandung in an AFC Champions League Two clash Wednesday night.
The match will kick off at 7.15pm at Pathum Thani Stadium.
Bangkok United laid an early marker in Group G with an impressive 4-2 away victory against Selangor of Malaysia, opening a two-point lead at the top of the standings.
The Thai side will be expecting another three-point haul when they welcome Persib Bandung at their home ground, with the Indonesian outfit hurting after conceding a late goal in a 1-1 draw with Lion City Sailors of Singapore.
Bangkok United head coach Totchtawan Sripan told a pre-match news conference on Tuesday: “It will be another difficult game for us.
“We won a Thai League 1 game last weekend, but we have to check on the fitness of some players. We will have to rotate some players for this match.
“We cannot underestimate Persib Bandung at all. They are a good team.
“Of course, we want to win the match and claim three points. We will do our best to achieve that as we are the hosts.”
Former Port player Frans Putros, who now plays for Persib Bandung, said on Tuesday: “Bangkok United have an organised game and tend to play ball possession football. Their strength is in playing as a team. The match will be quite difficult.
“However, they still have gaps [weaknesses] that can be exploited, and our coach knows about them.
“Last season, Bangkok United played very well, so I think this will be an interesting match. Let’s see what we can do.”
New venture for youth
Coca-Cola Thailand on Tuesday announced a new strategic partnership with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) which will see the storied ‘Coke Cup’ make a comeback in 2026 with a refreshed format.
The tournament will now serve as a U17 league to provide emerging Thai players with greater opportunities to train, compete and aspire to represent their country on the world stage.
Selman Careaga, president of the Asean and South Pacific Operating Unit of Coca-Cola Company, said: “We are proud to have an enduring tradition of supporting football, both locally and internationally and this partnership with the FAT reflects our commitment.”
FAT president Nualphan Lamsam said: “This collaboration represents another significant step forward for Thai football, especially at the youth level. The U17 age group is one of the categories that our association prioritises.”
The Coke Cup will be held over three years from 2026 to 2028 and will see the FAT organise 195 matches involving 192 qualified teams from six regions of Thailand.