Persib Bandung were dealt stunning blow ahead of the opening of Liga 1 tournament after they were defeated 2-0 by lowly Bali United with their Ghanaian superstar Michael Essien starting from the bench.
The star-studded team had to swallow the embarrassment of being defeated by Bali United.
Entertaining Bali United at the Stadium of Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA), Bandung, Saturday (04/08/2017) night, Persib was defeated with the score 0-2.
Persib Bandung placed Essien as substitute for the match against Bali United in GBLA. Meanwhile, Carlton Cole was not brought by coach Djadjang Nurdjaman.
Bali United, coach Hans-Peter Schaller was at full strength. Two new players, Irfan Bachdim and Sylvain Comvalius plotted as a mainstay in attack.
Bali United were able to sting Persib with goals in the 14th minute Irfan Bachdim Irfan fast movement could not guarded well by Vladimir Vujiovic, before unleashing a shot into the goal.
In the second half, Michael Essien brought on by coach Djadjang Nurdjaman to increase the power.
The presence of Essien massively improved the Persib midfield which appeared to be ineffective in the first half. Streams ball from former Chelsea player was able to turn the opportunities for Persib but they could not convert.