The match between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) was one of the most exciting in recent Super League seasons. For the first time in 4–5 years, a local league opponent managed to score 3 goals against JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
This shows that NSFC under Coach Nidzam is no ordinary side this season, they are capable of challenging other teams provided they maintain consistency and not just perform in one big game.
JDT’s Line-up & Early Mistakes
Under new coach Munoz, JDT rotated heavily, resting Arif Aiman and starting Iker Undabarrena, and Nacho as double pivots, with Sidibe and Oscar Aribas as wing-backs. This overconfidence backfired:
- Within 30 minutes, JDT were 0–2 down.
- Coach Munoz had to sub Arif Aiman in early and later replace Undabarrena with Afiq Fazail to regain midfield control.
JDT’s Weaknesses
- Midfield Protection – Playing two No. 8 types (Undabarrena & Nacho) left no proper defensive midfielder to cover the high back three or advancing wing-backs. NSFC exploited this gap with fast counterattacks and through balls. Loss of players like Natxo Insa and Hong Wan is felt.
- Backline Exposure – Park, Irazabal, and Eddy Israfilov are strong in duels but slow to recover against pace, especially when wing-backs are caught high. Poor tracking awareness let NSFC runners get in behind.
- Wing-back Recovery – Oscar Aribas and Sidibe pushed too high and were slow to transition into a back five, leaving the back three exposed.
- Goalkeeper Inexperience – Abad (18–19 years old) lacked communication and shot-stopping maturity, needing more time at this level.
- Attack Chemistry – Figueiredo and Jairo da Silva are individually good but lack combination play. Jairo also missed a penalty badly.
JDT’s Tactical Fix & Comeback
By 27 minutes, Munoz’s changes paid off:
- Arif Aiman’s introduction transformed the attack, directly influencing goals via corners and open play.
- Oscar Aribas moved to left wing-back, assisting a Bergson goal.
- Afiq Fazail stabilized midfield balance.
- Bergson vs Jairo for the main striker spot is still undecided.
- Set-pieces (especially corners) are now a strength under Munoz.
NSFC’s Strengths
- Courage to play openly against JDT, exploiting their high line.
- Effective build-up from the back through Alex (on loan from Selangor), the creative midfield maestro.
- Physical, pacy forwards like Esso and direct, clinical striker Jovan Motika (scored twice).
- Goalkeeper Azri Ghani made several crucial saves.
- Flexible defensive transitions, with Wai Lin dropping into a back five when needed.
NSFC’s Weaknesses
- Protecting a lead: struggled to maintain defensive shape after going 2–0 up.
- Vulnerable to counters once they lose possession high.
- Drop in right-wing quality when Selvan was substituted.
Detailed Match Analysis
Scoreline & Flow
- Final score: JDT 5 – 3 NSFC
- NSFC shocked JDT with two early goals via fast, direct play, but JDT’s tactical switches turned the tide.
- It was an end-to-end battle with both teams creating high-quality chances.
Tactical Overview
| Team | Formation (approx.) | Approach | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| JDT | 3-4-1-2 (morphed after changes) | Possession-heavy, wing-back width, reliance on Arif Aiman’s creativity | Midfield gaps, high line vulnerability |
| NSFC | 4-3-3 | Build-up through Alex, quick vertical passes to pacey forwards | Defensive depth after leading, wing defence when Selvan subbed |
Key Phases
- Early NSFC dominance – Exploited JDT’s unprotected midfield and high defensive line. Jovan Motika’s direct runs were lethal.
- Munoz’s intervention – Early subs brought balance and creativity; Arif Aiman became the game-changer.
- Set-piece mastery – JDT scored twice from corners, showing a growing weapon under the new coach.
- Endgame pressure – NSFC’s inability to defend deep against sustained pressure cost them the result.
Standout Performers
- JDT – Arif Aiman (match changer), Oscar Aribas (effective at LWB), Afiq Fazail (midfield control)
- NSFC – Jovan Motika (2 goals), Alex (creative hub), Azri Ghani (crucial saves)
Key Statistics (based on transcript data & inferred trends)
- Possession: JDT likely >60% after tactical changes.
- Shots on target: JDT significantly more after Arif’s introduction.
- Goals from set-pieces: JDT 2, NSFC 0.
- Counterattack goals: NSFC 2 early in first half.
What This Means Going Forward
- JDT – Must fix midfield screening and high-line vulnerability before AFC Champions Elite competition; cannot rely solely on Arif Aiman.
- NSFC – Encouraging attacking display but needs better defensive game management to hold leads against elite opposition.