Sarawak Premier Cup: Previously FA to the semi-finals, Anai wants players to correct weaknesses

BINTULU, 17 Oct: Bintulu FA advance to the semi-finals of Sarawak Premier Cup 2026 after eliminating ATM by aggregate 1-0, despite being tied 0-0 without a net in the second quarter final action at the BDA Synthetic Football Stadium, Bintulu Suarah Hall, today.

The result allowed the Bintulu FA to retain an aggregate advantage of 1-0 to continue their dominance in the tournament.

However, Bintulu FA Head Coach Anai Igang admitted that he was still dissatisfied with his players' performance despite the team being able to progress to the semi-finals.

He said the players need to increase confidence while controlling the ball and more wisely use space to generate networks.

According to him, losing the ball easily also gives an opportunity for ATM players to launch attacks.

"Congratulations to the players for qualifying for the semifinals. However, I'm less satisfied with our performance tonight because we should have played better", he said.

He said this when met with the media after the second quarter-final match of Sarawak Premier Cup 2026 between Bintulu FA and ATM.

Anai said the player should be more confident in his own abilities when controlling the ball to ensure that the opportunities presented can be exploited as best they can.

He said the team should also correct existing weaknesses in preparation for a semi-final challenge.

Bintulu FA is scheduled to play Samarahan in the first semi-final at the Samarahan City Open Stadium on 24 October, before receiving a visit from the opponent for the second match at the BDA Synthetic Football Ground on 31 October.

The other two teams that qualified for the semi-finals were Kuching and Serian, who would then go on to take another slot into the final.