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.