Borneo FC Has Faced League 1, Pieter Huistra: We Almost Won

Borneo FC captain Stefano Lilipaly in the 2024 President's Cup final match against Arema FC. (Gonang Susatyo)

SOLO - Borneo FC never lost even though they ultimately failed to win the 2024 Presidential Cup. Pieter Huistra's coach confirmed that Borneo FC had already looked at Liga 1 2024/2025.

Almost grabbed the championship trophy, Borneo FC was still unlucky. In the final match against Arema FC at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Sunday, August 4, 2024 evening WIB, Borneo FC lost 5-4 on penalties after drawing 1-1.

A disappointing result because Borneo FC made a record of never losing during the pre-season tournament. The only defeat actually occurred in the final on penalties. This means that during the 90 minutes of the match, the Pesut Etam team did not lose.

Huistra remains satisfied with his team's achievements. Especially in the final match, Borneo FC played with 10 people after captain Stefano Lilipaly got a red card.

"We went all out in a fierce game. Even though we played with 10 players, we still fought," said Huistra.

"We almost won, but unfortunately we failed after the penalty shootout. Only the game was actually not good and interesting for a final," he said.

In the final match, Borneo FC was able to rise after Arema FC took the lead through William Marcilio. This Brazilian player's goal was created when the second half had only been running for three minutes.

However, Borneo FC was able to equalize the score after Leo Gaucho's hard kick beat goalkeeper Lucas Henrique Frigeri in the 62nd minute. In a 1-1 draw, Borneo FC lost Lilipaly who got a red card in the 89th minute.

Furthermore, the Borne FC goal conceded ahead of dispersal. It's just that Dedik Setiawan's goal was disallowed because he had already handball.

The score did not change and the match was immediately settled on penalties. All Arema FC executors can carry out their duties, including Frigeri who became the fifth kicker. Meanwhile, from Borneo FC only Ronaldo De Souza failed.

Frigeri appeared as an Arema FC star. He not only thwarted Ronaldo's execution but also managed to beat goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata in a penalty shootout.

"I'm still proud of this team. They showed a good performance. This makes us more confident in facing the league. We are ready. Moreover, we are actually a good team," said Huistra.

"We are unbeaten in the President's Cup. We only lost on penalties," he said.

Lebih lanjut, pelatih asal Belanda ini juga menunjukkan kesatisan dengan pemain baru Borneo FC. Mereka termasuk cepat beradaptasi sehingga tim semakin kepercaya menghadapi kompetisi.