Klok and Beckham equal Dedi's record of 14 appearances: Persib edge Manila Digger in AFC Champions League Two

Marc Klok and Beckham Putra Nugraha have equalled Persib Bandung's record for appearances in Asian club competitions after both featured in the 1-0 win over Manila Digger FC on August 31, 2026, in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary round. Mariano Peralta scored the only goal in the 89th minute, sending Persib through but also exposing their struggle to break down a deep defence. Marc Klok started and played the full 90 minutes. Beckham Putra Nugraha was introduced by head coach Igor Tolic in the 77th minute. Dedi Kusnandar, the previous record holder, stayed on the bench and was unused, meaning he could not stretch his tally to 15. Klok and Beckham now have 14 appearances each, creating a three-man share of Persib's continental record. The milestone reflects Persib's growing consistency in Asia. Dedi's 14 appearances were built across the 2026 AFC Cup and the AFC Champions League Two campaigns in 2026/25 and 2026/26. Klok and Beckham reached the same mark over recent seasons, and having three players tied on 14 shows the club is no longer a rare visitor to continental football. Tactically, the win over Manila Digger was unconvincing. Persib controlled the game but failed to break down a massed defence until the 89th minute. Against stronger opponents in the group stage, needing a single late moment could become a serious weakness. The late goal also highlighted the impact from the bench. Beckham entered at 77 minutes when the opposition defence was tiring, and his presence helped Persib keep attacking before Peralta's winner. Igor Tolic seems to view Beckham as a super-sub rather than a guaranteed starter. Leaving Dedi Kusnandar on the bench was also a notable decision. The coach appeared to prioritise the team structure and result over a personal milestone. Dedi remains an important player, but this match showed a stricter selection policy based on form and tactical fit rather than reputation. Persib face a busy schedule across Liga 1 and the AFC Champions League Two. Marc Klok playing the full 90 minutes in a preliminary tie raises questions about the team's reliance on one key midfielder. At the same time, the coach's willingness to leave a senior player unused signals a hard-nosed approach to rotation. The record itself is a positive story for Indonesian football, but the 1-0 scoreline and the late winning goal invite closer scrutiny. Persib need to improve their attacking rhythm before the group stage. The 89th-minute winner may be celebrated today, but it should not hide the tactical work that still lies ahead.