Dominan tapi tumpul, Dewa United takluk 0-1 dari Manila Digger pada leg pertama 8 besar ACGL

News Summary:

• Dewa United suffered a 0-1 defeat against Manila Digger in the first leg of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final clash at Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, on Thursday (March 5, 2026) evening WIB.
• The sole goal for the home side was netted by Kenji Nishioka in the 20th minute, originating from a swift counter-attack.
• Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities through players like Alex Martins and Jaja, Jan Olde Riekerink’s squad failed to find the back of the net and now faces a deficit heading into the crucial second leg.

Teknowarta  Dewa United’s aspirations in the AFC Challenge League (ACGL) hit an unexpected roadblock as their dominant performance ultimately resulted in a frustrating 0-1 defeat to Manila Digger. The first leg of their quarter-final showdown, held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Thursday evening (March 5, 2026), saw the Indonesian side unable to convert their control into goals.

The solitary goal that decided the fiercely contested match came in the 20th minute, courtesy of Manila Digger’s Kenji Nishioka. His decisive strike, executed following a rapid counter-attack, proved to be the difference maker.

Despite enjoying superior ball possession and fashioning several promising scoring opportunities, notably through star players such as Alex Martins and Jaja, Jan Olde Riekerink’s men found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Manila Digger’s disciplined and compact defense. Their inability to break the deadlock throughout the entire match means Dewa United now faces a daunting task in the return leg.

This narrow defeat compels Dewa United to deliver an exceptional performance in the decisive second leg, which will be played on home soil next Thursday (March 12, 2026), as they seek to overturn the deficit and advance in the prestigious competition.

Match Highlights

The match kicked off with Dewa United immediately asserting their intent to dominate proceedings. Coach Jan Olde Riekerink’s side meticulously built play from the back, utilizing the double pivot of Alexis Messidoro and Ivar Jenner to control the midfield tempo. In contrast, Manila Digger adopted a disciplined low block formation, patiently waiting for opportunities to exploit any turnovers from the Indonesian outfit.

Manila Digger, however, created the first notable chance in the 6th minute with a swift counter-attack. Kenji Nishioka’s curling shot from the left flank narrowly missed the target, flying wide of goalkeeper Sonny Stevens’ post. Just a minute later, Dewa United responded as Taisei Marukawa unleashed a strike from inside the penalty area, only to see it bravely blocked by the vigilant Manila Digger defense.

Another counter-attacking surge from Manila Digger in the 13th minute saw Dilane Tafem attempt a shot, but it lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Sonny Stevens. The deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute when Manila Digger capitalized on another break. Kenji Nishioka received a well-placed pass from Taningco, found himself unmarked on the left side, and calmly curled a precise shot past the outstretched arms of Stevens, putting the home side 1-0 up.

Stung by the goal, Dewa United pushed for an immediate reply. Alex Martins nearly leveled the score in the 23rd minute with a powerful header that agonisingly rattled the side netting. Manila Digger almost extended their lead further in the 28th minute when Ousman Gai connected with a cut-back pass from Nishioka, but Sonny Stevens pulled off a superb save to keep his team in the contest. Despite their continued efforts, Dewa United struggled to penetrate Manila Digger’s compact and resolute defense as the first half progressed.

Hugo Gomes, known as Jaja, attempted to break the deadlock with a long-range effort in the 38th minute, but his shot veered wide of the mark. As the half-time whistle blew, Dewa United remained frustrated, unable to find a way past the impenetrable Manila Digger backline, leaving the score at 1-0 in favor of the hosts.

The second half saw Dewa United emerge with renewed urgency, determined to find an equalizer. However, their offensive efforts continued to be met with stubborn resistance, and by the 60th minute, their attacks remained fruitless. As the game entered the 70th minute, Jan Olde Riekerink’s charges still hadn’t managed to unlock the Manila Digger defense. The “Banten Warriors” resorted to more pragmatic attempts, including several long-range shots, hoping to catch the opposition off guard.

In a final push, several substitutions were made, including the introduction of Egy Maulana Vikri, to inject fresh attacking impetus into Dewa United‘s play during the closing minutes. However, even with these changes, Dewa United‘s efforts ultimately proved in vain. They failed to register a single goal before the referee’s final whistle, confirming their 0-1 defeat to Manila Digger in the first leg of the AFC Challenge League quarter-finals.

Team Lineups

• Manila Digger (4-3-3)

Omar Njie (GK); Assan Badjie, David Sambou, Daniel Ashley, Modou Joof; Kenji Nishioka, Modou Manneh, Pa Ousman Gai; Zachary Taningco, Dilane Tafem, Baboucarr Touray.

Coach: Kim Versales

• Dewa United (4-1-4-1)

Sonny Stevens (GK); Edo Febriansyah, Brian Fatari, Johnathan, Damion Lowe; Ivar Jenner, Taisei Marukawa, Alexis Messidoro, Jaja; Alex Martins.

Coach: Jan Olde Riekerink

(Source: Tribunnews.com/Hafidh Rizky Pratama)