Bali experience fuels Hope FC ambition

KUCHING: A third-place finish in Bali, Indonesia has given Hope FC fresh motivation to compete for more in future international tournaments.

The Kuching-based outfit secured the bronze medal at the All Stars Football Tournament Bali 2026, which brought together teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Hope FC opened its Group A campaign with a 4-0 victory over TAA Pilot FC before edging Allstars FC 1-0.

They then suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Batik Air Malaysia to finish their group campaign.

Hope FC advanced to the knockout stage, where they faced Jetblast FC B in the semi-final but went down 2-1.

The team bounced back in the third-place playoff, defeating Batik Air Malaysia 2-1 to secure third place.

Player-manager Bryan Cheong described the tournament as a proud moment for the team, particularly competing at an international event held at the Bali United Training Centre.

“Very happy with the boys that we managed to come home with something and everyone’s more motivated to compete for more,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Sept 28).

Cheong also expressed pride in the team’s opportunity to compete at a venue equipped with top facilities against quality opposition from across the region.

Hope FC players soak in the experience of their international tournament debut in Bali. Photo: Hope FC

The tournament provided Hope FC with valuable exposure and experience as they continue to develop and test themselves against stronger opposition beyond Sarawak.

Players in the squad were Abang Nur Azrie, Nigel Dom, Adrian Loh Thuan Jin, Andrick Arun, Bryan Cheong, Daveency Pini, Yahya Arip, Muhammad Shakimin, Muhammad Bakeri, Damian Unting, Suiying Wong, Marcel Owen, Imran Ashdiyat, Muhaimin Aiman Haiqal, Aril Rozni, Zuhayr Redz, Adib Imika and Harrold Tok.