Borneo FC Focuses on Securing Victory to Keep Their Championship Title Hopes Alive, While Malut United Remains Undaunted.

Borneo FC are still holding onto their hopes of winning the BRI Super League title this season as they host Malut United for matchweek 34 at Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Malut United have confirmed they will not act as mere filler opponents, even though they will field a limited squad due to an Injury crisis and accumulated card suspensions.

Borneo FC head coach Fabio Lefundes confirmed his team remains optimistic they can close the season with a victory to keep their championship chances alive.

"We have to be grateful that we enter this final stage of the competition in good condition, with our title hopes still intact. The players are in great form, training has gone well. We need to carry this gratitude and respect into delivering an outstanding performance today," Lefundes stated.

Nicknamed Pesut Etam, Borneo FC currently sit 2nd in the provisional League Standings with 76 points from 33 matches, only two points behind table leaders Persib Bandung.

To be crowned champions, Borneo FC must defeat Malut United, while also relying on Persib losing their final match against Persijap Jepara.

Aside from chasing the win, Lefundes also wants to give a parting gift for the home supporters who will pack Segiri Stadium for this final home fixture of the season.

"This is our last match of the season, our final game playing here in Samarinda. So we want to give something back for every supporter that attends. After that, we will wait and see the outcome of the other decisive match," Lefundes said.

The Brazilian coach also praised the tight title race that has gone all the way down to the final matchday of the campaign.

"I am very proud of everything we have achieved so far. In my opinion, Borneo FC and all the competing teams have made this league very exciting this season," he added.

Malut United Only Travelled With 16 Players

Meanwhile, Malut United arrived in Samarinda in far from ideal circumstances. Head coach Hendri Susilo only brought 16 available players after multiple key first team members were ruled out.

"We only brought 16 players to Samarinda, as several are ruled out through injury and accumulated card suspensions. Even so, Team Preparations have proceeded normally, and every player that travelled is fully fit and ready to play," Hendri explained.

Malut United will be without key regulars Yakob Sayuri, Yance Sayuri, Lucas Cardoso and Wbeymar Angulo, all suspended.

Additionally, Alan Jose and Tyronne del Pino remain sidelined with injuries, Ciro Alves is unwell, and Igor Inocencio is absent for personal family matters.

Despite these setbacks, Hendri confirmed his side will not play defensively, and will still aim for a positive result away from home led by David da Silva.

"All available players are in good condition and fully fit. We came here with the clear target of taking points away from Borneo FC's home ground," he stated.

Malut United currently sit 5th in the provisional Standings with 53 points, only two points behind Persebaya Surabaya as they fight for a final top table position this season.