Nidzam Jamil expressed satisfaction with Negeri Sembilan FC’s defensive organisation and game management after holding Imigresen FC to a 0–0 draw in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in the Piala Malaysia 2025–26.
The encounter, played at Stadium Negeri Pulau Pinang on 17 January, saw Negeri Sembilan FC adopt a measured and disciplined approach away from home against a dangerous Imigresen FC side, prioritising structure and game control amid a demanding run of fixtures.
Speaking after the match, Nidzam stressed the importance of understanding the dynamics of two-legged cup competitions, referencing previous lessons where opportunities at home were not fully maximised. This time, the emphasis was clear: remain compact away from home and set the stage for a decisive second leg in Seremban.
“This is a cup competition. You must know how to manage the first game away and the second game at home,” said Nidzam. “We respected Imigresen FC and their attacking threats. They have players who can hurt you if you lose focus. From that perspective, a goalless draw is a fair and positive result.”
The head coach also highlighted the physical demands faced by his squad, revealing that five to six changes were made to the starting line-up due to a congested schedule of three matches in seven days. Fatigue played a key role in the tactical approach, with Negeri Sembilan opting to sit in a compact mid-block rather than applying constant high pressure.
Despite the absence of goals, Nidzam pointed to several encouraging signs. Negeri Sembilan created chances, hit the woodwork twice, and limited Imigresen FC’s opportunities, with goalkeeper Aqil producing a composed performance to secure a valuable clean sheet.
“We didn’t concede, and that’s something important,” he said. “Our defensive shape was good. This is also one of the few matches where Imigresen didn’t score, and that shows our discipline.”
Nidzam also praised the performances of squad players, singling out Amirul Adli for his contribution, as well as Mio Tsuneyasu, who was handed a starting role. He emphasised the importance of rotation and squad depth during a physically demanding period, while acknowledging that some players were carrying heavy workloads following recent league fixtures.
Addressing questions over the team’s attacking output, Nidzam remained confident that the goals will return, stressing that attacking success is a collective responsibility rather than solely on the strikers.
“Attack as a team, defend as a team. We’ve scored more than 20 goals in the league,” he explained. “Just because we didn’t score in the last few games doesn’t mean we are weak. What’s important is that defensively, we are improving.”
He concluded by reaffirming his focus on player recovery, injury assessments, and preparation for the second leg, where Negeri Sembilan FC will look to capitalise on home advantage and progress to the next round.
