Penang FC finally broke their winless streak in the Super League with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) at Stadium Bandaraya earlier this evening.
It was Tchetche Kipre who emerged as the hero for the Harimau Kumbang, scoring both goals to deliver a crucial three points for the home side after enduring four consecutive defeats and one draw in their opening six matches.
Kipre opened the scoring as early as the 13th minute, calmly slotting home a precise pass from captain Stefano Brundo following a clever set-piece combination with Dylan Wenzel-Halls.
NSFC nearly equalised just three minutes later when Jovan Motika found himself in a one-on-one situation with Khairulazhan Khalid, but the winger’s powerful effort sailed narrowly over the bar.
Penang came close to doubling their advantage in the 20th minute as OJ Porteria’s strike was parried away by Azri Ghani. The rebound fell to Danilo Sipovac, whose follow-up attempt rattled the upright to the relief of the visitors.
The hosts thought they had scored again in the 37th minute through Wenzel-Halls after he coolly finished from Porteria’s pass, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the second half, Negeri Sembilan showed renewed determination. Japanese midfielder Takumi Sasaki nearly levelled the score with a powerful long-range strike, only to be denied by Khairulazhan’s safe hands.
However, Penang struck again in the 49th minute, with Kipre once more tormenting the NSFC defence. The Ivorian forward dribbled past Ariff Ar-Rasyid and substitute Aidil Zailani before firing a low shot past Azri Ghani for his second of the night.
Despite a late surge from the visitors—led by Sasaki, Joseph Esso, and Motika—Negeri Sembilan could only pull one back in the 98th minute after Faith Obilor accidentally turned the ball into his own net.
It was too little, too late, as the final whistle confirmed a long-awaited victory for Penang FC, while NSFC will now shift their focus to the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Selangor FC on October 18 in Paroi.