AFC Cup MD4: Lao FC 0-0 Persib Bandung

Having drawn their opening group match 2-2 with MFF cup winners Ayeyawady United, the Laotians then lost 2-1 at New Radiant SC of the Maldives before suffering a 1-0 defeat away at Persib in the capital of West Java province on Matchday Three.

This meant a positive result in the return encounter with the Indonesian Super League champions was crucial for the tournament debutants if they were to have any chance of progression to the next phase.

And despite failing to claim all three points in a hard-fought but goalless contest in the Laotian capital, an equally scoreless stalemate in the night’s other Group H tie between Ayeyawady and New Radiant means that David Booth’s men still maintain a glimmer of hope of qualification ahead of an away date with the Maldivians in Male on Matchday Five in two weeks’ time.

Persib coach Emral Abus was full of praise for his hosts as Lao FC’s solid backline repelled the best efforts of his team on numerous occasions, and negated the best efforts of one of the tournament’s leading scorers in Persib captain Atep Rizal who has scored three goals in the continental campaign so far.

“Lao FC played very well, they showed good discipline and a tight defence. We had several chances but failed to score,” said Persib coach Abus.

“I would like to give all credit to my players, though, as they played their best.”

Unbeaten Persib, who have been the pacesetters in the group since their 4-1 victory over New Radiant on Matchday One, could seal a place in the next round should they secure a vital win in Myanmar against Ayeyawady the same day.

Having now picked up eight points from four games in Group H, Abus’s side are two points clear of second-placed Ayeyawady and three ahead of New Radiant with just two games to play.

The Laotians will then travel to Male to play New Radiant on Matchday Six next month, while Persib will host Ayeyawady in Bandung.

Photo: WSG