Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bandung: Captain Atep Rizal scored his third goal in as many games in the first half as Indonesian champions Persib Bandung maintained an unbeaten record in Group H following a 1-0 win over Lao FC in the AFC Cup on Wednesday.
Atep netted after 20 minutes at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium as Persib claimed a second win of the campaign after their captain had scored in the opening day victory over Maldivian side New Radiant SC and last week’s 1-1 draw with against Ayeyawady United in Myanmar.
The defeat leaves debutants Lao at the foot of the Group H table after David Booth’s side suffered a second consecutive defeat in the competition.
“We never took Lao lightly, they have played well in the first two matches, but we needed to rotate the players to give them a feel of the game,” said Persib coach Emral Abus, who will take his side to Vientiane in two weeks’ time.
“Some of them were nervous early in the first half and they got the full support from their team-mates to overcome their nerves.
“We want to end the group stage at the top and we will bring the spirit to the away match in Lao. We expect a tougher game as they will play in front of their home crowd.”
Persib started strongly as Firman Utina was denied by Lao goalkeeper Chanthakhad Sianphongsay in the fifth minute, although Lao also had their own early chance as Sitthideth Khanthavong headed over two minutes later.
And the visitors continued to create the better of the chances as the half progressed as Paseuthsack Souliyavong was denied by Persib goalkeeper I Made Wirawan in 10th minute before Frederic Pooda’s dangerous cross four minutes later was scrambled clear by the home side.
But it was Persib who eventually opened the scoring after 20 minutes as Tantan’s pass was blocked by Lao goalkeeper Chanthakhad and Atep was on hand to turn home the rebound.
Atep then almost set-up Persib’s second but Makan Konate was denied by Chanthakhad just before the half hour mark before Paseuthsack failed to find the target with a volley from Sitthideth’s cross 13 minutes before half-time for Lao.
Chanthakhad continued to frustrate the home side in the second half as the Lao goalkeeper denied Firman just after the hour mark, although opposite number Wirawan was also kept busy as the Persib goalkeeper saved from Maitee with 22 minutes remaining.
The Lao goalkeeper was beaten with 13 minutes remaining, but fortunately for the visitors, a header from Persib substitute Muhammad Taufiq hit the crossbar from Atep’s cross.
Lao did finish the contest strongly, but Persib were able to hold on to claim a second win of the campaign.
“Today we played against the strongest team in our group and we lost only by one goal,” said Lao coach Booth.
“So, we have to give credits to our players in these three games we played until now. They're gaining experience in every game that we play.”
Photo: Otto Sya'ban Pramadhan