Mid-Season Report: ATM
ATM have shown more character than their fifth place suggests, from a thrilling 5-5 fightback against KL City to a complete 6-0 win over Wipers. With five circuits left, a best-ever MPFL finish is within reach.
When ATM drew 5-5 with KL City in Circuit 3, twice coming from behind and twice fighting back, it felt like the moment the military club confirmed they belonged at this level. Izmir Firdaus's side have not always threatened the top three, but they have shown more character than their position in the table suggests.
The 2026 season has been ATM's most competitive in the MPFL. They beat USM twice, held JDT at bay for long periods before losing in Circuit 4, and their 6-0 win over Wipers in Circuit 3 was one of the more complete team performances of the season. The 9-2 defeat to Selangor in Circuit 1 remains a difficult memory, but it is worth noting that almost every team in the league has been beaten heavily by the leaders at some point.
Muhammad Bukhari has been the find of the season. Nine goals, three MVP awards and a hat-trick against Wipers in Circuit 3 have announced him as one of the most effective Malaysian strikers in the competition. Bukhari Samsudin's two late penalties to earn a draw against KL City were perhaps the individual moment of Circuit 3, although he did miss a third with the last kick of the match to win the game. Captain Shamsuri Saleh has provided leadership and goals at the right moments throughout.
The 8-3 loss to JDT in Circuit 4 ended an unbeaten run of four matches and was a reminder of the gap between ATM and the league's top two. But with ten points from seven games and five circuits remaining, a top-four finish, which would represent ATM's best season in the MPFL, remains well within reach. The character they have shown across this campaign suggests they will not give it up without a fight.
