Asia AFC Cup

Heartbreak for Persib as Port Snatches Last-Gap Win

A last-minute goal from Willen Mota secured a 1-0 victory for Thailand’s Port FC against Indonesian champions Persib Bandung in their 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two Group F match on September 19th.

The match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium was evenly contested, with both sides showing caution in the early stages. Persib had the first real opportunity in the 26th minute when Ryan Kurnia, after receiving a pass from Dimas Drajad, turned his marker but shot wide. Port responded a minute later, with Lonsana Doumbouya’s header from an Asnawi Mangkualam cross hitting the crossbar. Doumbouya struck the woodwork again just before halftime with another header from a Kevin Deeromram cross.

In the second half, both teams made attacking substitutions to press for a winner, with Rangsan Viwatchaichok sending in Peeradol Chamratsamee and Worachit Kanitsribampen, while Bojan Hodak decided to throw both Marc Klok and Ciro into the fray. Persib goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza was forced to make a crucial save from Bordin Phala’s curling shot, while Port’s Worawut Srisupa denied a powerful effort from Beckham Putra.

The match seemed destined for a draw until substitute Willen, scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute. The former True Bangkok United attacker calmly tapped in from a Deeromram pass, leaving Persib’s defense frozen, and sealed all three points for Port FC.