Negeri Sembilan FC produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 1–1 draw against Kuala Lumpur City FC in their Super League clash at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman earlier today.
Bouncing back from a surprise away defeat to Melaka FC on 6 December, the Hobin Jang Hobin side showed a sharper edge, creating several promising opportunities in the opposition penalty area.
However, it was the visitors who struck first. KL City took the lead in the sixth minute through Kpah Sherman, whose powerful finish beat Negeri Sembilan goalkeeper Muhammad Azri Ghani.
Stunned by the early setback, the team coached by Nidzam Jamil responded by raising the tempo and pushing forward with intent. Despite repeatedly advancing into dangerous areas, KL City’s defensive line remained resolute through the remainder of the first half.
After the restart, Negeri Sembilan reorganised their attacking unit and mounted sustained pressure on the KL City backline in search of an equaliser. Their clearest chance arrived in the 54th minute when Jovan Motika delivered a teasing cross into the box, but Joseph Esso could not keep his effort down.
Motika then went close himself in the 60th minute, only to see his effort denied by KL City goalkeeper Quincy Julian Kammeraad.
Persistence finally paid off in dramatic fashion late on. In the 89th minute, Esso rose highest to power home a decisive header, sparking celebrations among the 2,984 supporters in attendance and earning Negeri Sembilan a deserved share of the spoils.
The result underlined the squad’s fighting spirit and resilience, offering encouragement as Negeri Sembilan look to build momentum in the remainder of the Super League campaign.