Negeri Sembilan FC endured a frustrating evening at home after slipping to a 1-2 defeat against Imigresen FC in a Super League encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
The hosts made a bright start and were rewarded as early as the eighth minute. A threatening effort from Luqman Hakim Shamsudin forced a defensive error from the visitors, resulting in an own goal that handed Negeri Sembilan the early advantage. At that stage, the momentum appeared firmly in favour of the Hobin Jang Hobin.
However, the complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the 21st minute. Midfield orchestrator Yuichi Hirano was shown a red card by referee Mohammad Zamzaidi Katimin following an incident involving Muhamad Zulfahmi Arifin. Reduced to ten men, Negeri Sembilan’s rhythm and attacking cohesion were disrupted, forcing a tactical reshuffle for the remainder of the contest.
Imigresen, guided by head coach Yusri Che Lah, gradually asserted control. Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute when Eduardo Jose Vegas calmly converted a precise through ball from Muhammad Aiman Khairul Yusni, beating goalkeeper Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani to level the score before halftime.
The second half saw mounting pressure from the visitors. Imigresen came close on multiple occasions, with Wilmar Jordan Gil and substitute Mohammad Fayyadh Zulkifli Amin both threatening around the hour mark. Azri produced crucial interventions, parrying one effort and blocking another with his leg to keep Negeri Sembilan in the contest.
Tensions flared on the touchline as Yusri Che Lah received a yellow card for disputing a decision, underscoring the intensity of the battle on the pitch.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute. A powerful long-range strike from Josa Vegas proved too strong for Azri, handing Imigresen a 2-1 lead that they would defend until the final whistle.
Despite late efforts, Negeri Sembilan were unable to find an equaliser, and the scoreline remained unchanged at full-time.
The result serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level — where discipline, composure, and game management can ultimately determine the outcome. Hobin Jang Hobin will now look to regroup, correct the costly setbacks, and respond strongly in the fixtures ahead.