Category: Football

Injury Update: Haiqal Haqeemi

Midfielder Haiqal Haqeemi has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifier between Malaysia U-23 and Mongolia U-23 in Thailand two weeks ago.

The club is deeply saddened by this confirmation and extends its thoughts to Haiqal—affectionately known as Cibob. We kindly ask all supporters to keep him in your prayers and continue showing support as he embarks on the recovery journey ahead.

We wish Haiqal a smooth rehabilitation and look forward to seeing him return stronger.

Zahril Azri Marks His First Appearance for Negeri Sembilan FC This Season

Negeri Sembilan FC fans witnessed a new chapter unfold as midfielder Zahril Azri made his long-awaited first appearance of the season. The 25-year-old was called into action early in the clash when he replaced Wai Lin Aung, who unfortunately had to leave the field due to injury in the 19th minute.

Seizing the opportunity, Zahril went on to play 71 minutes, displaying composure, energy, and a strong desire to make an impact. His assured touches and tireless work rate in midfield were a timely boost for the Jangs as they continue their fight in the campaign.

It was a debut performance that not only highlighted his readiness but also signaled his determination to contribute significantly in the weeks ahead. With this positive start, fans can expect more to come from Zahril in the famous NSFC colors.

Negeri Sembilan FC’s Revival Brings New Life to the Malaysia Super League

The resurgence of Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has become one of the hottest talking points in Malaysian football, with the Jangs now seen as the team “breathing life” back into the Super League and reigniting the spirit of the domestic game.

In just two home matches this season, more than 50,000 supporters have flocked to the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium — an extraordinary figure that few would have predicted after several difficult years for the club.

This phenomenon has led many observers to hail NSFC as a driving force behind the renewed energy in the Malaysia League (Liga M), which had previously faced criticism over dwindling attendances.

Management and Leadership at the Core

According to former Vice President of the Malaysian Football Coaches Association (PJBM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, NSFC’s transformation goes beyond on-field performance. He highlighted that the club’s resurgence is rooted in strategic management, visionary leadership, and innovative fan engagement.

He credited CEO Muhammad Faliq Firdaus, whose youth and deep knowledge of football have brought fresh ideas, alongside strong backing from Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, as key pillars behind the revival.

“Negeri Sembilan have reignited the excitement in the Super League. Their consistent performances and effective promotional efforts are what’s bringing fans back to the stadium,” said Zulakbal.

Building a Team That Connects

Zulakbal added that NSFC’s squad is cleverly structured — balanced across positions, even without relying on so-called superstars. Under head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil, a young yet experienced tactician, the team has found the right formula for early success.

Equally important, NSFC’s youth-friendly social media strategy has deepened connections with a new generation of fans, turning stadium visits into an experience, not just a matchday.

“Even though supporters know it will be difficult for NSFC to compete with JDT for the title, they still come in huge numbers. That shows football is not just about results — it’s about the spirit the team represents,” Zulakbal noted.

Early Season Impact

So far, NSFC have collected four points from three league matches, sitting seventh in the table, though they have played fewer games than most teams above them. Yet, beyond the standings, their biggest achievement is clear: reviving the atmosphere of Malaysian football and reminding fans why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

Skipper Khuzaimi Piee Marks Long-Awaited Return Against PDRM

Negeri Sembilan FC captain, Khuzaimi Piee, finally made his first appearance of the season in the Piala FA clash against PDRM FC, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.

After being sidelined with a pre-season injury that kept him out of action for months, the experienced defender returned to the field in the 60th minute, replacing Zainal Abidin. His introduction was met with strong support from the stands, as fans celebrated the skipper’s long-awaited comeback.

Khuzaimi’s presence at the heart of the defence immediately lifted the team’s confidence, with his leadership and composure on the ball reminding everyone of his vital role within the squad.

The club and fans alike will be encouraged by his return, as his experience and influence are expected to be crucial in the coming fixtures across all competitions.

With the captain now back in action, Negeri Sembilan FC will be hoping to build further momentum as the season progresses.

Azri Ghani’s Penalty Antics Go Viral

Negeri Sembilan FC goalkeeper Azri Ghani stole the spotlight during the FA Cup Round of 16 second leg against PDRM FC with his unexpected celebration that left fans across Malaysia entertained.

The moment unfolded when referee Mohamad Nawal Mohammad Zubir awarded PDRM a penalty after Azri was adjudged to have fouled Henri Doumbia inside the box. Ahmed Israiwah, a Jordanian midfielder for The Cops, stepped up to take the spot kick but fired his effort high over the bar.

Relieved and ecstatic, Azri celebrated by dancing directly in front of Israiwah — a move that sparked laughter from his teammate Luis Fernando Nsue and quickly went viral after being broadcast on Astro Arena’s platforms.

Fans on social media were quick to draw comparisons to Argentina’s World Cup–winning goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who is known for his cheeky mind games during penalties.

“Geng Dibu Martinez,” joked one fan, Bang Pirlo, on X.

“Nakallah Azri Ghani sekarang,” added another supporter, Siraap_Bandung, on Instagram.

User Muxmeen commented, “Emi Martinez would be proud (of that dance).”

Although the match ended in a 1–0 win for PDRM, their first victory of the 2025/26 season, Negeri Sembilan progressed to the FA Cup quarterfinals with a 5–1 aggregate triumph.

Azri’s playful antics may not have changed the result on the night, but they certainly added a lighter, unforgettable moment to the fixture — one that has now endeared him even more to fans of Malaysian football.

Watch the video below:

Possible New Training Centre for Negeri Sembilan FC in Mantin?

Negeri Sembilan FC’s journey towards establishing its own dedicated training centre may be taking shape in Mantin, following recent developments that have caught the attention of fans and local football observers.

According to a recent Instagram story shared by Tan Peng Koon, Director of Universal Sports Sdn Bhd—the official sole distributor of Warrix in Malaysia—he was seen on-site together with Head Coach Nidzam Jamil at Dewan Komuniti Mantin. The images suggested a site visit and active discussions on the potential use of the area for football development purposes.

Also present during the visit was Mr. Normas Yakin, a respected turf specialist, adding weight to speculation that the discussions may be linked to the establishment of professional football training facilities.

According to Google Maps imagery, the land surrounding Dewan Komuniti Mantin features sizeable empty plots, which could be suitable for the development of training pitches and supporting infrastructure.

In his post, Tan Peng Koon expressed optimism about the plan, simply saying: “Den kasi jadi training center.” His statement has sparked excitement among supporters, fueling hopes that Negeri Sembilan FC may soon have a permanent base to call its own.

While no official announcement has yet been made, the possibility of a purpose-built training centre in Mantin signals a major step forward for Negeri Sembilan FC. Such a facility would not only provide the senior team with a modern base but also strengthen the club’s youth development pathway, aligning with long-term ambitions to compete at the highest level in Malaysian football.

As anticipation grows, supporters will be watching closely for further updates from the club. If confirmed, this project would mark a historic milestone—placing Negeri Sembilan FC among the select Malaysian teams with their own dedicated training facilities.

Analysis: Negeri Sembilan vs Kuching City – A Clash of Structures and Spirit

The Malaysia Super League encounter between Negeri Sembilan and Kuching City ended in a 2-2 draw, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. Beneath the drama of Negeri Sembilan’s comeback lay a contest shaped by tactical adjustments, midfield imbalances, and contrasting defensive approaches.

Negeri Sembilan: Resilience with Structural Weakness

Negeri Sembilan’s hallmark this season has been their capacity to fight back, and this match was no exception. Trailing by two goals, they once again relied on Head Coach Nidzam Jamil’s game management to engineer a response.

  • Substitution Impact: The introduction of Hakimi Abdullah changed the tempo. Operating on the left, Hakimi’s direct running stretched Kuching City’s back line, creating both a near-penalty situation and a clear chance that he narrowly missed. His debut this season highlighted depth on the flanks, though consistency will be the next challenge.
  • Midfield Balance: The tactical decision to field Wai Lin as a lone pivot placed heavy defensive responsibility on him. With Alex and Takumi Sasaki positioned higher upfield, Negeri Sembilan gained attacking creativity but sacrificed stability in transitions.
    • Alex thrived as a connector, producing progressive passes and directly contributing to Joseph Esso’s goal.
    • Takumi, while mobile and technically secure, often slowed progression by holding the ball too long—undermining fluidity.
  • Defensive Fragility: The back line, comprising Harith Samsuri, Luis Enrique, Zainal Abidin, and Ariff Ar-Rashid, lacked compactness. Their struggles in set-piece marking and open-play transitions forced goalkeeper Azri Ghani into repeated interventions. His shot-stopping prevented Kuching City from killing the game early.

In short, Negeri Sembilan showed resilience in mentality but remain structurally vulnerable—over-reliant on individual moments and Azri’s brilliance at the back.

Kuching City: Tactical Stability and Emerging Stars

Kuching City approached the game with a clearer structure and balance, though lapses cost them victory.

  • Fullback Play: Scott Woods and Jimmy Raymond pushed high in possession, supporting wide combinations. While Woods frequently linked effectively with Ramadhan Saifullah on the left, Raymond’s output on the right was less pronounced.
  • Midfield Cohesion: Unlike Negeri Sembilan, Kuching City had equilibrium in the centre. Moses Atede anchored with discipline, excelling in interceptions while distributing progressive passes to launch counters. Ahead of him, Danial Asri added dynamism as a creator and late runner, while Petrus Shitembi balanced transitions by dropping when needed. Their chemistry allowed Kuching City to dictate tempo for large spells.
  • Star Performer: Ramadhan Saifullah’s display epitomised his development. The winger tormented Negeri Sembilan’s defence with direct dribbles, cut-backs, and an assist. Once considered surplus at Johor Darul Ta’zim, he is emerging as one of the league’s most exciting left-sided attackers.
  • Defensive Errors: Despite their organization, Kuching City conceded from a set piece and a defensive misjudgment against Joseph Esso. These lapses mirrored the fine margins at the top level—strong structures undone by isolated errors.

Lessons and Implications

  • Negeri Sembilan must find midfield balance. Freeing Alex as a creator is valuable, but not at the expense of leaving Wai Lin exposed. Either a double-pivot or more disciplined pressing from advanced midfielders is required. Their attacking depth is promising, but defensive frailty risks undermining results.
  • Kuching City displayed a more complete structure, with synergy in midfield and wide threats. If they can cut out defensive lapses and reintegrate key forwards like Joao Pedro, they may evolve from being competitive to genuine contenders.

Conclusion

This draw showcased why both clubs are emerging forces in the Super League: Negeri Sembilan with their fighting spirit and attacking creativity, and Kuching City with their tactical balance and rising individual talents. For now, the difference lies in stability—something Kuching City appear closer to mastering, while Negeri Sembilan must continue to refine.

NSFC Set to Build Their Own Training Centre

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) will soon have their very own dedicated training centre, according to an update shared by club CEO Muhammad Faliq Firdaus.

In a social media post, Faliq revealed an image of the training centre’s design plans, accompanied by a message of gratitude and optimism.

“Due to overwhelming support from Sekalian Yang Setia, things are speeding up. Slowly but surely,” he wrote.

If completed, NSFC will follow in the footsteps of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Selangor FC, who already boast world-class training facilities.

This development comes amid NSFC’s impressive start to the 2025/26 Malaysia Super League campaign. Despite falling short in their opening fixture against JDT, the Hobin Jang Hobin squad under head coach Nidzam Jamil bounced back strongly, recording a famous win against Selangor and securing a draw against Kuching City.

Previously, in an interview, Faliq confirmed that the training centre development is in progress:

STAR of Paroi Roars to Life as NSFC’s Fortress

The Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium (STAR) has once again proven itself more than just a football ground.

With thunderous chants, drum beats, and the iconic cry of “Hobin Jang Hobin!”, the home of Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) has become a true fortress in the opening weeks of the 2025/26 Malaysia Super League season.

Under the guidance of head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil, the Jangs have started brightly with two wins and one draw from their opening three matches, fueled by the unwavering energy of their fans.

“I consider our supporters the heartbeat of this team. Their presence ignites the players to keep running, to keep fighting until the final whistle,” Nidzam told Flash Sukan.

The atmosphere has been electric: 25,500 fans packed STAR to witness the dramatic 2–1 comeback against Selangor FC, followed by another 24,478 in attendance for the 2–2 draw with Kuching City FC.

The noise and passion have not only lifted NSFC’s performances but also struck fear into visiting opponents.

Fortress Paroi: More Than Just a Stadium

The stadium has transformed into a cauldron of energy—where every cheer, every beat of the drum, and every chorus of “Hobin Jang Hobin” amplifies the team’s fighting spirit. For rival clubs, STAR is no longer just a venue; it is a battlefield.