Borneo FC Samarinda secured a 3-1 victory over Tainan City FC at Stadion Segiri in Samarinda, advancing to the quarterfinals of the AFC Challenge League 2026/2027 and making history on the continental stage, viva.co.id reported.
Borneo FC Secures Quarterfinal Berth After Tainan City Victory
The decisive Group D fixture on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, saw the Indonesian side overcome an early setback. Tainan City FC opened the scoring in the first half through Kim Sang-jun, putting the visitors ahead in front of the home supporters in Samarinda. However, Pesut Etam responded after halftime with goals from Juan Villa, Kablan N’Goma, and a late strike from substitute Amar Brkic to seal the 3-1 win, according to match reports.
The victory gave Borneo FC a clean sweep of Group D, following their 2-0 win over Yangon United earlier in the group stage. Head coach Mauro Jeronimo praised his squad for executing a perfect group campaign in the club’s maiden appearance in Asian competition. “I think this is very good for the club. Especially right now, where this is the first time Borneo is participating in Asia,” Jeronimo said, as noted by Nomor Satu Kaltim. “The fact that we could finish the group stage with two wins to become the first team in Indonesia to do it, that also makes us proud.”
Amar Brkic Breaks 13-Year Indonesian Continental Scoring Record
The fixture also marked a milestone for teenage winger Amar Brkic. Entering the match from the bench in the 62nd minute, the 19-year-old scored in the 82nd minute with a left-footed strike from outside the penalty area that secured the final scoreline.
At 19 years, 4 months, and 10 days old, Brkic became the youngest Indonesian player to score a goal in an official Asian club competition. The milestone surpassed the previous record held by Hendra Bayauw, who was 19 years, 11 months, and 17 days old when he scored during the 2013 AFC Cup. Speaking after the match, Brkic dedicated the achievement to his family and supporters. “I am very happy and grateful. The most important thing is that our team successfully qualified,” Brkic said.
Immediate Domestic Shift Toward BRI Super League
Following their progression in continental play, Borneo FC quickly turned their attention back to domestic competition. The squad scheduled their next fixture against PSS Sleman in the BRI Super League 2026/2027, set for Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 15.30 WIB, as detailed by Nomor Satu Kaltim.
Jeronimo emphasized that despite the historic achievement in Asia, the team must maintain focus and manage player fatigue amid a demanding fixture list. “However, the most important thing is that we got what we want and we are in the quarterfinals,” Jeronimo added.
