Persib Qualifies for ACL Two, Igor Tolic Immediately Shifts Full Focus to Facing PSM Makassar in the Super League

Persib Bandung have no intention of lingering over their successful qualification for the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League (ACL) Two group stage. Head coach Igor Tolic has immediately shifted the squad's full focus towards their opening 2026/2027 Super League fixture against PSM Makassar.

Persib secured their ACL Two group stage ticket after defeating Manila Digger 1-0 at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Monday evening. Mariano Peralta earned hero status with the lone match-winner scored in the 89th minute.

Despite this victory booking Maung Bandung's place on the continental stage, Tolic has opted not to speculate on potential group stage opponents. All attention is currently fixed on PSM, who Persib will face on Sunday 6 September.

"We take things step by step. Our next immediate match is against Makassar. Tomorrow the squad will rest, before we begin full preparations for that fixture," Tolic stated in an official press release received in Bandung on Tuesday.

Persib Must Regain Focus Immediately

Tolic emphasised that every match must be approached one at a time. While qualification for ACL Two represents an important positive milestone, he warned that Persib cannot afford to lose concentration with domestic competition already on the horizon.

This measured approach is critical given Persib face a congested fixture schedule for the 2026/2027 season, with the squad required to split focus between domestic league duties and their Asian continental campaign.

For this reason, the victory over Manila Digger must not be allowed to lead to complacency within the squad.

The Croatian head coach has instructed his players to prioritise full physical recovery before returning to training ahead of the PSM clash.

This opening Super League match has been designated as the club's next immediate priority.

Tolic Praises Squad Fighting Spirit

The qualifier against Manila Digger was a tightly contested affair. While Persib controlled large portions of the match, they struggled to break down the visiting side's defensive organisation right up until the closing minutes.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute, when Berguinho delivered an assist for Mariano Peralta. The Argentine striker fired home a left-footed finish to seal the winning result for Persib.

Tolic paid tribute to his players for maintaining their concentration and executing the game plan right until the final whistle.

"That was a very tough, tight match. I have to congratulate every single one of the players. They executed their duties perfectly. We fully deserved this win and our place in ACL Two," Tolic commented.

This result also demonstrated Persib's ability to perform under high pressure match conditions. Even so, Tolic stressed that the job is far from complete.

PSM Makassar Presents Next Challenge

PSM Makassar will be Persib's first opponents in the 2026/2027 Super League. This fixture will present an entirely different test, as the format and physical demands of domestic competition require consistent performance across the full length of the season.

Tolic will need to carefully manage player fitness levels following the physically demanding qualifier against Manila Digger. Squad rotation is also expected to become a key factor as Persib navigate their increasingly packed fixture list this season.

Alongside maintaining physical condition, Persib will also need to quickly address the minor tactical flaws that were visible during their match against the Philippine side.

For Maung Bandung, this opening fixture against PSM also represents an opportunity to get their domestic league campaign off to a positive start.

Persib Maintain Forward Momentum

Qualification for the ACL Two group stage has provided a major morale boost for the entire Persib squad. Nevertheless, Tolic has refused to allow the team to become distracted by the achievement.

His step-by-step philosophy means every individual fixture is given dedicated, full focus.

Having overcome Manila Digger, PSM Makassar is now the sole next target for the squad.

Only once this domestic fixture is completed will Persib turn their attention back to their upcoming ACL Two campaign, including preparations for the group stage challenges ahead.

This disciplined approach is how Tolic intends to keep the squad focused, as Persib are set to compete across four separate competitions this season.

Persib carry valuable momentum from their Asian play-off victory. Now the next challenge is to prove that this success was not just a one-off moment.

The fixture against PSM Makassar on 6 September will mark Persib's first step as they look to build consistent form in the 2026/2027 Super League.