Venue: Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi
Result: Negeri Sembilan FC 2 – 0 PDRM FC

A Confident Rebound at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC produced a composed and convincing performance to secure a 2–0 victory over PDRM FC in front of their home crowd at STAR Paroi. Goals from Joseph Esso and a stunning free kick by Jovan Motika sealed the win, marking a strong response following the previous week’s defeat to Selangor FC.

Despite the two-goal margin, the match showcased tactical evolution, improved midfield cohesion, and better balance across all departments—signs that Head Coach Nidzam Jamil’s adjustments are beginning to bear fruit.

Tactical Adjustments Pay Off

One of the biggest improvements came from Nidzam’s decision to shift back to a four-man defensive line, abandoning the five-at-the-back setup used against Selangor. This adjustment gave Negeri Sembilan greater control in midfield and allowed the full-backs to push higher to support the attack.

The change also allowed better fluidity in transition, with the midfield trio of An Sang-Su, Takumi Sasaki, and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin taking charge of the tempo.

Midfield Dominance and Structure

In the absence of Alex Agyarkwa, who usually anchors the attacking buildup, Negeri Sembilan’s midfield showed impressive adaptability.

• An Sang-Su delivered one of his finest performances in a Negeri Sembilan shirt, functioning effectively as a defensive midfielder while also initiating forward passes that triggered attacking sequences.
• Takumi Sasaki complemented him with intelligent positioning and ball progression, supporting both defense and attack seamlessly.
• Luqman Hakim stood out as the game’s most dynamic player—versatile, energetic, and creative. Shifting between the left wing and central midfield, he displayed versatility and tactical maturity, registering multiple attempts and heavily contributing to the buildup that led to Esso’s goal.

This central trio allowed Negeri Sembilan to dictate play, win second balls, and maintain composure in possession—an area that had faltered in previous outings.

Frontline Efficiency and Room for Refinement

The attacking trio of Joseph Esso, A. Selvan, and Jovan Motika offered both flair and directness, though there remains room for refinement in their chemistry.

• Esso, while dropping deep at times to link play, was most effective when staying higher in the penalty box—ultimately rewarded with a well-taken opener.
• Selvan’s pace and direct play stretched PDRM’s backline, though his inverted runs occasionally narrowed the attacking shape.
• Motika delivered moments of brilliance, capped by a world-class free-kick goal. While technically gifted, he will need to quicken his link-up play and decision-making to enhance Negeri Sembilan’s collective fluidity in attack.

Solid Defensive Foundation

At the back, Negeri Sembilan displayed improved organization and recovery.

• Filip Andersen and Khuzaimi Piee swapped flanks effectively, offering balance between composure and aggression. Andersen’s comfort on the ball provided calmness in buildup, while Khuzaimi’s left-sided presence allowed the team to push forward safely.
• The return of Harith Samsuri at left-back proved pivotal. His ability to invert and support midfield transitions freed An Sang-Su to contribute more offensively.
• Arif Ar-Rasyid also impressed on the right, combining defensive discipline with overlapping runs.
• Goalkeeper Azri Ghani handled set-pieces and aerial threats confidently, particularly against PDRM’s physical forwards.

PDRM’s Direct Approach and Resilience

PDRM FC maintained their typical direct, long-ball approach, relying on set-pieces and aerial duels to threaten. Players like Fadi Awad, Israiwah, Henri Dumbia, and Hadi Fayyadh worked tirelessly, but Negeri Sembilan’s structured defense largely neutralized their efforts.

Goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal also deserves credit for several crucial saves that prevented a heavier scoreline. However, PDRM’s internal issues and lack of midfield control limited their ability to sustain pressure, despite flashes of danger from corners and free kicks.

Conclusion: Confidence Restored, but Refinement Needed

This 2–0 win not only brings three valuable points but also restores confidence within the Negeri Sembilan camp after the Selangor defeat. The tactical flexibility, midfield resilience, and improved defensive coordination were key takeaways from this fixture.

With stronger chemistry among the front three and continued balance in midfield, Negeri Sembilan FC look poised to build on this performance and carry their momentum into the next Liga Super encounters.