Category: Matchday

Rajan Hails Character as Negeri Sembilan FC End Winless Run In Selayang

Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan praised his players’ resilience and commitment after the Jang Hobin secured a convincing 6–1 victory over PDRM FC in the Malaysia Super League clash at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang on 13 March.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Rajan described the win as a significant psychological boost for the squad, particularly after a difficult run of six league matches without victory. The triumph also marked Negeri Sembilan’s first away win of the 2025–26 Super League campaign and Rajan’s first success since taking over in an interim capacity.

The coach credited the collective effort behind the scenes, emphasising the strong support from his coaching staff and club management during the transitional period. He noted that although the team’s overall performance was “moderate,” the result itself was the most important outcome in competitive football.

“In football, only the result counts. Sometimes you play well and don’t win, and sometimes you play average but still get the result. Today the players deserve full credit,” Rajan explained. 

Clinical Finishing the Key Difference

Negeri Sembilan displayed ruthless efficiency, scoring three goals in each half to seal an emphatic victory. Rajan revealed that his message at half-time was simple — maintain intensity and continue attacking. He stressed that goal difference could prove decisive later in the season, particularly after last season’s tight battles near the lower end of the table. 

Despite the dominant scoreline, the interim coach remained pragmatic in his assessment of the team’s progress. He acknowledged that tactical adjustments and improvements in playing style will require time, especially after stepping into the role midway through the campaign. 

Signs of Momentum Before Festive Break

Rajan highlighted that the team had already shown encouraging performances in previous matches, even when results did not go their way. He believes the Selayang victory could serve as a turning point as the squad heads into the upcoming festive break with renewed confidence. 

The coach also commended the players’ commitment in both training and matches, stressing that gradual tactical evolution is part of a longer-term process. With morale lifted and momentum regained, Negeri Sembilan FC will look to build on this breakthrough result in the remaining fixtures of the Super League season. 

Brilliant Hobin Jang Hobin End Winless Run in Style with Six-Star Demolition of PDRM

Negeri Sembilan FC emphatically ended their Malaysian Super League winless streak with a commanding 6–1 victory over PDRM FC at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Thursday night.

The impressive triumph marked a long-awaited return to winning ways for the Jang Hobin squad, who last collected three points in league action back in December.

The attacking partnership of Takumi Sasaki and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin proved instrumental throughout the match, with both players constantly creating dangerous opportunities and spearheading Negeri Sembilan’s offensive dominance.

The visitors drew first blood as early as the fifth minute when Luqman capitalised on a well-worked move before calmly beating PDRM goalkeeper Nor Hakeem Hamidun to give Negeri Sembilan a 1–0 lead.

Needing no invitation to press their advantage, Negeri Sembilan doubled their tally in the 38th minute through Sasaki, who finished clinically after another incisive attacking sequence. Just three minutes later, Luqman grabbed his second goal of the night, pouncing on a loose ball after Nor Hakeem failed to deal with a powerful effort from Sasaki.

PDRM’s defensive line struggled to cope with Negeri Sembilan’s relentless attacking momentum in the first half, as wave after wave of pressure penetrated the danger zone with ease.

After the restart, Negeri Sembilan maintained their intensity and extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Kei Oshiro rose highest to head home the fourth goal.

Sasaki then compounded PDRM’s misery with a fifth strike in the 69th minute before substitute Khuzaimi Pie completed the emphatic victory with a sixth goal nine minutes later.

The result lifts K. Rajan’s side to sixth place in the league standings with 22 points, while Eddy Gapil’s PDRM remain rooted at the bottom with just 10 points from their campaign so far.

MSL 2025/26: PDRM FC Versus Negeri Sembilan FC Ticket Sales Info

Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 2025-26 match between PDRM FC and Negeri Sembilan FC on 13 March 2026 at the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang Stadium are now on sale!

Click the link below to purchase:

https://tickethotline.com.my/events/liga-super-malaysia-2025-2026-pdrm-fc-vs-negeri-sembilan-fc

Choose ‘Away Entrance’ section.

For the State, We’re Heading to Selayang! 🚌

Bus slots for the away day to Selayang are now open!

📍 Departure point: Wisma PBNS
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
💸 Price: RM60 (Members) | RM65 (Non-members)
ℹ️ Price includes match ticket

Come on, Sekalian Yang Setia!
Let’s rock Selayang with chants of For the State! 

Click the link below to make your booking:
http://wa.me/60196802669

Rajan Calls for Late-Game Focus After Dramatic Draw as Negeri Sembilan Show Signs of Progress

Negeri Sembilan FC interim head coach K. Rajan acknowledged clear improvements in his team’s overall performance despite a frustrating late setback following their 3-3 draw against Penang FC in the Malaysia Super League at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi on 7 March.

Speaking during the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025/26 Matchday 20 encounter, Rajan praised the effort and attacking intent displayed by Negeri Sembilan FC, highlighting the team’s ability to create numerous chances throughout the match.

“Overall, we played a good game. We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t convert them,” Rajan said, noting that the team had shown significant improvement compared to the previous outing.

Positive Signs Despite Frustrating Ending

The interim head coach emphasised that while the result may feel disappointing, there were clear indicators of progress in the team’s performance.

According to Rajan, the players demonstrated better attacking structure and were able to generate several goal-scoring opportunities, suggesting that the team’s tactical adjustments and training work are beginning to take effect.

“You saw in the last two games, we improved a lot. We created many chances, but sometimes we couldn’t finish them,” he explained.

However, Rajan also admitted that defensive concentration in the closing stages remains a concern, especially after conceding a late goal that denied the home side a crucial victory.

Focus and Concentration Key for Final Minutes

Reflecting on the decisive moments late in the match, Rajan pointed to the importance of maintaining focus and mental discipline until the final whistle.

“For the last-minute goal, players must focus and concentrate until the last whistle,” he said. “At the end of the game, players are already tired, but concentration is very important.”

The coach added that such situations can sometimes be unpredictable, particularly when refereeing decisions or late challenges come into play, but maintaining defensive discipline remains essential.

Post-Match Review Planned

Looking ahead, Rajan confirmed that the coaching staff will conduct a detailed post-mortem with the players to analyse the match and identify areas that require improvement.

“Tomorrow we will do a post-mortem with the players. We will talk together and improve game by game,” he said.

While the late concession prevented Negeri Sembilan from securing all three points, Rajan remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory under his interim leadership, stressing that continuous improvement and hard work in training will be key as the Hobin Jang Hobin squad prepares for their upcoming fixtures.

Last-Gasp Penalty Denies Jang Victory in Six-Goal Thriller at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC were forced to settle for a point after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Penang FC in a pulsating Super League encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, earlier today.

The Hobin Jang Hobin squad had hoped to secure a valuable victory on home soil, but a late penalty from the visitors denied them all three points in a match filled with momentum swings and six goals.

Penang FC struck first in the 22nd minute through a swift counterattack. Dylan Christopher finished the move clinically to give the visitors the early advantage and silence the Paroi crowd.

Negeri Sembilan, however, responded strongly and found the equaliser seven minutes later through Jovan Motika in the 29th minute.

The goal was crafted through a well-orchestrated midfield move involving Yuichi Hirano and Takumi Sasaki. The pair combined neatly before Sasaki threaded a precise pass into Motika’s path. The forward showed excellent composure to beat two Penang defenders before unleashing a powerful strike past goalkeeper Mohamad Ramdhan Ab Hamid to level the score.

As the match progressed into the final stages, Penang head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail made a decisive substitution by introducing experienced striker Tchetche Kipre. The move proved effective as the 38-year-old found the back of the net in the 79th minute, converting a delivery from Jose Porteria to restore the visitors’ lead.

Despite the setback, Negeri Sembilan refused to surrender and mounted an impressive late comeback.

Substitute Mio Tsuneyasu brought the home side back into the contest in the 82nd minute, finishing clinically to make it 2-2. The momentum then shifted firmly in favour of the hosts when Joseph Esso completed the turnaround in the 88th minute, putting Negeri Sembilan ahead and seemingly on course for a memorable victory.

However, heartbreak struck in the dying moments of the match.

Penang were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute, and Stefano Brundo stepped up to convert from the spot, ensuring the visitors salvaged a point from the thrilling contest.

The result sees both sides share the spoils after an entertaining encounter in Paroi, with Negeri Sembilan left to reflect on a match that slipped away at the very last moment despite a spirited fightback.

MSL 2025/26: Negeri Sembilan FC Versus Penang FC Ticket Sales Info

Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 2025/26 match between Negeri Sembilan FC and Penang FC on 7 March 2026 at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi will be on sale!

Click the link below to purchase:

https://tickethotline.com.my/events/NSEvsPEN

Choose Pintu A, Pintu B, or Pintu C sections only for home fans.

Tickets will be available at the following locations:

🏢 Wisma PBNS
📅 4–6 March 2026 (Wednesday – Friday)
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Break: 1:00–2:00 PM | Friday: 12:00–2:45 PM

🏟️ STAR Paroi
📆 7 March 2026
🎫 Grandstand Ticket Counter (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
🎫 Ticket Counter 13 (5:00 PM – 9:45 PM)

ℹ️ Tickets for away supporters will be sold online only.

Rajan Praises Fighting Spirit Despite Frustrating Night in Likas

Liga Super 2025-26 | LS19
Sabah FC vs Negeri Sembilan FC
28 February | Stadium Likas

Negeri Sembilan FC Interim Head Coach K. Rajan lauded his players’ commitment and adherence to the tactical plan following the Liga Super 2025-26 Round 19 encounter against Sabah FC at Stadium Likas.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Rajan emphasised that his squad delivered a disciplined and spirited performance on the night, fully executing the strategies prepared in training.

“Today, our players followed our game plan. They played well and gave 100 percent on the field. I think we must give credit to our players,” Rajan stated, acknowledging the team’s collective effort and determination throughout the contest.

Respecting Match Officials

When asked about certain key decisions during the match, Rajan maintained a composed and professional stance. He declined to comment on refereeing matters, reiterating that such decisions fall solely within the authority of the match officials.

“This one I cannot comment, because this is the referee’s decision, not my decision. From outside, you all can predict what will happen, what the referee will do. But this one you need to ask the referee. We need to follow the referee’s decision,” he explained.

His response underscored the club’s respect for officiating processes while keeping the focus firmly on footballing matters.

Focus on Midfield Control and Clinical Edge

Looking ahead, Rajan was clear about the areas requiring improvement as the Hobin Jang Hobin prepare for their next assignment. While satisfied with the team’s structure and effort, he identified midfield sharpness and attacking efficiency as key priorities.

“For the next game, we need to improve our midfield side, then our attacking and finishing,” he noted.

Despite creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Negeri Sembilan were unable to convert their chances into goals — a factor Rajan believes must be addressed immediately in training.

“Today we created a lot of chances, but we did not convert them into goals. Before the next game, we need to train and improve our finishing,” he added.

Building Momentum in Transition

As Interim Head Coach guiding the team through this transitional phase, Rajan’s message was clear: the foundations are in place. The players demonstrated discipline, commitment, and tactical understanding. The next step is translating performance into points.

With focused improvements in midfield control and attacking sharpness, Negeri Sembilan FC will look to turn positive displays into tangible results as the Liga Super 2025-26 campaign intensifies.

Motika Strikes, But Late Drama Denies Hobin Jang Hobin Full Points in Likas

Sabah FC 1–1 Negeri Sembilan FC
Malaysia Super League | Stadium Likas

Negeri Sembilan FC were forced to settle for a point after a dramatic second-half equaliser saw Sabah rescue a 1–1 draw at Stadium Likas earlier tonight.

The result marked a shared outcome for both newly appointed Sabah head coach Juan Torres Garrido and NSFC Interim Head Coach K. Rajan, as each manager collected a point in their respective first matches in charge.

Early Pressure from the Hosts

Sabah began the match on the front foot, testing the resilience of the Hobin Jang Hobin backline. In the 17th minute, a dangerous free kick from Dane Ingham nearly caught goalkeeper Azri Ghani off guard, but the national custodian reacted sharply to preserve parity.

Azri was called into action again in the 30th minute, producing another important save to deny a long-range effort from Fergus Tierney as Sabah continued to probe for an opener.

Motika’s Moment of Magic

Despite the early pressure from the hosts, it was Negeri Sembilan who struck first in the 33rd minute. Jovan Motika showcased composure and skill inside the penalty area, cleverly evading his marker before unleashing a powerful strike past Sabah goalkeeper Damien Lim to give NSFC the lead.

The goal shifted momentum and injected confidence into the visitors as they held firm heading into the break.

Tactical Changes and Mounting Pressure

Sabah intensified their attack in the second half, with Garrido introducing substitute S. Kumaahran in the 56th minute — a move that proved decisive. The winger’s direct running and creative deliveries immediately lifted the home side’s tempo.

Sabah created several clear opportunities, including two close attempts from import striker Chris-Marlon Ondong-Mba. His 58th-minute effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar, while another attempt seven minutes later rattled the woodwork.

Controversy and the Equaliser

The breakthrough for Sabah came in the 69th minute under dramatic circumstances. Following a quickly taken free kick by Duje Ljubic, Kumaahran capitalised on an unguarded goalmouth to slot home the equaliser.

In the build-up, Azri Ghani had moved out of position, appearing to approach referee Muhamad Afiq Naim Ahmad Khilmi to protest the awarding of the free kick. The referee subsequently consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system before confirming the goal.

A Point Each After Intense Finish

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive touch. The contest ended 1–1, with each team earning a point in a fiercely contested encounter.

The result sees Sabah move to 10th place with 15 points, while Negeri Sembilan remain seventh with 18 points from 17 matches.

For K. Rajan and his squad, there were positives in resilience and defensive organisation — but the narrow escape serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level. Hobin Jang Hobin will now turn their focus to the next fixture, determined to convert promising performances into maximum points.