Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Munster Inspires Bhayangkara Turn Around
Newly promoted Bhayangkara didn't start the season to well but their form in recent weeks has been nothing short of impressive as the 2017 Liga 1 Champions appear to have turned a corner.
A 1-4 reverse against PSBS on 12th January seems to have been the touchstone for a change in fortunes. Since that loss, the Guardians have won four and drawn one of their last six games, most recently hitting eight goals in two games.
Like all runs, Bahayangkara's started off the radar with a 1-1 draw against Persita but a week later they sent out a message when they travelled to Ternate and beat star-studded Malut United 2-1 with goals from Moussa Sidibie and Moises Wolschick.
Their next game was perhaps a return to kind as they lost 2-1 at home to Borneo, another side with title aspirations but there was a sea change going on behind the scenes in Lampang as coach Paul Munster was working hard behind the scenes to turn their fortunes around. On the road again, Bhayangkara next travelled to Persebaya and came away with another 2-1 win.
Staying in East Java, next up was an impressive 4-3 win against Persik with the goals being shared by Slavko Damjanovic, Nehar Sediki, Privat Mbarga and a late winner from Bernard Doumbia.
Earlier this week, they welcomed relegation-threatened Semen Padang and sent them on their way with a 4-0 victory with Sidibe netting a couple and loanee Ryo Matsumura and Doumbia also on the score sheet.
While no one is expecting a late charge for AFC places, wins in their next two games against Dewa United and Arema will make their home game against Persija on the 5th April very interesting indeed
