Nidzam Jamil: Second-Half Improvement Clear, But Set-Piece Discipline Must Improve

Petaling Jaya, 14 January 2026 — Negeri Sembilan FC head coach Nidzam Jamil acknowledged a clear contrast between the two halves of his side’s performance following the 1–0 defeat to Selangor FC in the Malaysia Super League clash at Stadium MBPJ.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after LS16 of the Liga Super Malaysia 2025–26, Nidzam highlighted defensive issues in the first half—particularly in central areas and wide channels—that allowed Selangor to create problems through rotations and overloads.

“In the first half, defensively we couldn’t fully solve the problems they created, especially in midfield and the wide areas. When we pressed or shifted across, spaces opened up,” he explained.

However, the Negeri Sembilan coach praised his players for responding positively after the break, noting that the team managed those issues more effectively in the second half and showed better structure and control.

“In the second half, we managed the problems much better. You could see the improvement in how we dealt with their movement and pressure.”

Set-Piece Management a Deciding Factor

Despite the improved second-half showing, Nidzam was candid in admitting that set-piece defending proved costly, pointing to poor organisation and delivery as the key difference between the two sides.

“The difference came down to set pieces. We need to improve how we manage these situations. Conceding from set pieces is something we must address seriously.”

He also expressed concern over the number of corners conceded, stressing that allowing Selangor to win around 12 corners placed unnecessary pressure on his side.

Squad Challenges and Physical Demands

Nidzam also revealed that squad availability and physical fatigue played a role in shaping the match. Several key players were unavailable or only confirmed late, forcing last-minute adjustments to the lineup.

“We had issues with availability. Some players were not fit to play, and we only finalised certain replacements at the last moment. The previous match was very intense—many of our players covered over 11 to 12 kilometres—which made it difficult to maintain the same momentum.”

With another match coming up in just two to three days, the coaching staff attempted to inject fresh energy in the second half through substitutions, bringing on players such as Adeli and others in search of an equaliser.

Positive Intent, Fine Margins

Despite facing a strong opponent with greater resources, Nidzam was clear that Negeri Sembilan did not travel to Petaling Jaya merely to defend.

“We came here to play our normal game, not just to sit back. In the second half, we showed that intent and created a few chances, even if they weren’t many.”

He concluded by reiterating that while Selangor’s quality and investment were evident, the margins were fine—and discipline, particularly in dead-ball situations, must improve moving forward.

Narrow Defeat at MBPJ as Selangor FC Edge NSFC 1–0

Selangor FC climbed to second place in the Super League standings after securing a 1–0 victory over Negeri Sembilan FCin their clash at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya earlier today.

The win marked another positive step for newly appointed head coach Kim Pan Gon, who has now recorded two wins from his first two matches in charge.

The result saw Selangor move up to 31 points, opening a two-point gap over third-placed KL City FC (29 points) and Kuching City FC (28 points), both of whom suffered defeats in their respective fixtures.

Selangor began the match aggressively, testing the NSFC defence as early as the second minute through a strike by Chrigor Moraes, which was well saved by NSFC goalkeeper Azri Ab Ghani.

The hosts continued to dominate possession, frequently attacking down the flanks and delivering crosses into the NSFC penalty area. Several promising moves created danger, but a lack of finishing quality and off-target attempts prevented Selangor from breaking the deadlock in the first half.

After the interval, Selangor maintained control, and the NSFC defence was finally breached in the 60th minute when Nooa Laine powered home a header to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.

NSFC came close to an equaliser in the 86th minute following a swift counter-attack that saw Anuar Ceesay unleash a shot that deflected off a Selangor defender. However, Selangor goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi reacted quickly to gather the rebound.

Selangor had opportunities to extend their advantage late on, but Moraes missed from close range before Faisal Halimfired over the bar.

In the end, the solitary goal was enough to seal Selangor FC’s 10th league win of the season, while NSFC were left to reflect on a resilient but ultimately narrow defeat away from home.

Matchday with Meaning: Honouring Tuanku Muhriz on a Special Night at MBPJ

Today is more than just a matchday — it is a moment of significance as we commemorate the Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.

As a mark of respect and to celebrate this special occasion, the club calls upon all Jang & Milah making their way to Stadium MBPJ to don YELLOW jerseys or t-shirts.

Let us come together and show our unity and pride by lighting up the stadium with Kuningkan MBPJ.

See you tonight, Sekalian Yang Setia!

Warmest Congratulations on the 78th Birthday of His Royal Highness

With the utmost respect and loyalty, we extend our highest congratulations on the occasion of the 78th Birthday of His Royal Highness, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, celebrated on 14 January 2026.

May His Royal Highness be granted continued good health, wisdom, and longevity in reign, for the enduring prosperity and well-being of Negeri Sembilan and its people.

Azri Ghani: Carry the Momentum, Raise the Intensity Against Selangor FC

Negeri Sembilan FC goalkeeper Azri Ghani is eager to see the positive momentum shown against Johor Darul Ta’zim last week carried forward—this time with greater aggression—when The Jangs face Selangor FC tomorrow.

The clash with the Red Giants at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya is expected to be a major talking point, especially after Nidzam Jamil’s men delivered an impressive display against JDT. The spotlight is further heightened by Selangor’s mission under their new head coach Kim Pan Gon to maintain a winning start.

From Azri’s perspective, Selangor have shown increasing consistency over recent matches—setting the stage for a contest full of intrigue for supporters.

“I hope we can maintain this momentum and bring it into the match at Stadium MBPJ against Selangor,” said Azri.

“I believe if we continue to follow the plans and tactics laid out by the coach (Nidzam Jamil), everything will fall into place.

“We must also stay alert to Selangor’s movements. Whatever happens, our aim is to deliver an even better performance this time.”

Azri is set to be one of the key pillars between the posts tomorrow, having caught the eye on Friday with a series of crucial saves against dangerous attempts from Xisco Munoz’s side.

Previously, Negeri Sembilan FC sprung a late surprise by defeating Selangor FC 2–1 in league action last August. That same mission—to produce another memorable result—will undoubtedly be carried into Stadium MBPJ by the squad tomorrow.

Loan In: Amirul Adli

Negeri Sembilan FC are delighted to announce the arrival of commanding defender Amirul Adli, who joins the club on loan from BG Tampines Rovers until the end of the current season.

A highly experienced player at the top level, Adli is a key figure in the Singapore national team, having earned 40 international caps.

At club level, he was part of the title-winning squad that lifted the Singapore Premier League 2021 with Lion City Sailors, and has also built a strong reputation through his performances in the AFC Cup and AFC Champions League.

Standing at 1.81 metres, Adli is known for his versatility, capable of operating as a centre-back, right-back, or left-back.

His arrival is set to further strengthen the defensive line of The Jangs.

Welcome to Tanah Adat, Adli!

Takumi Sasaki Reaches 200 Professional Appearances

Negeri Sembilan FC proudly congratulates Takumi Sasaki on reaching a major personal milestone in his professional football journey.

The match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) last Friday marked the 200th professional appearance of Takumi Sasaki across his career—an achievement that reflects years of consistency, discipline, and commitment at the highest level of the game.

The milestone was shared by Takumi himself via his official Instagram account, where he expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported him throughout his career, reaffirming his determination to continue playing with gratitude and dedication.

Since arriving at Paroi, Takumi has been a symbol of professionalism, bringing composure, work ethic, and technical quality to the team. His experience and mentality continue to set standards both on and off the pitch, serving as a valuable reference point for teammates and younger players alike.

Thank you for the dedication and quality you consistently give to the team. Keep pushing forward and continue creating more success together!

Anuar Ceesay to Remain with Negeri Sembilan FC for the Season

Anuar Ceesay will continue to be a key part of Negeri Sembilan FC’s attacking plans for the remainder of the season, reaffirming the club’s commitment to stability and competitiveness in the Super League campaign.

The forward will don the number 29 jersey as he remains with The Jangs, following internal discussions that clarified his role within the squad moving forward.

Faliq Firdaus, Chief Executive Officer of Negeri Sembilan FC, confirmed that Anuar will stay with the club despite earlier plans that had considered alternative options.

“Following our latest discussions with the technical team, Anuar Ceesay will remain with Negeri Sembilan FC for this season, even though there were different plans initially,” said Faliq.

“We are confident in the quality he possesses. Anuar has the attributes to become a central figure in helping the club improve performances and achieve more competitive targets in the Super League this season and beyond.”

Anuar’s continued presence is viewed as a timely boost for the squad, particularly as the team manages player availability following recent matches. With attacking options potentially affected by fitness concerns involving Joseph Esso and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin after the encounter against Johor Darul Ta’zim, Anuar’s role becomes even more significant in maintaining attacking depth and balance.

The club believes that Anuar’s physical presence, versatility, and work rate will add greater consistency to the attacking unit as Negeri Sembilan FC continues its push for improved results in the league.

With clarity now established regarding his future, Anuar Ceesay is set to focus fully on contributing to the team’s ambitions—both on and off the pitch—as The Jangs navigate the challenges of a demanding Super League season.

Match Analysis: Negeri Sembilan FC vs Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)

Negeri Sembilan FC endured another heartbreaking night as a late goal handed Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) a 1–0 victory in their Malaysia Super League encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi. Despite a disciplined defensive display for much of the match, the home side were undone in the closing stages by a decisive header from Manuel Hidalgo, continuing a familiar pattern in recent meetings between the two sides.

Different Approach, Different Outcome

Compared to the earlier league meeting at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Negeri Sembilan adopted a markedly different tactical approach. While the previous clash saw The Jangs play with greater attacking intent, this fixture reflected a more conservative mindset—prioritising defensive solidity and game management over proactive attacking play.

JDT, in contrast, maintained an aggressive, win-oriented mentality throughout the 90 minutes. Their persistence, coupled with sustained pressure in the final third, eventually paid off late in the game.

Controversial Moments and Refereeing Decisions

The match was not without controversy. Several officiating decisions drew debate, particularly an incident involving Joseph Esso, who was forced off after a heavy challenge without disciplinary action taken. Such moments undoubtedly disrupted Negeri Sembilan’s attacking rhythm, especially as the team was left without a recognised central striker for long periods.

The allocation of seven minutes of added time also raised questions, given the relatively limited stoppages during the match. Nevertheless, JDT capitalised on the extended period to find the decisive breakthrough.

JDT Analysis: Persistence and Tactical Adaptation

One of the standout positives for JDT was the return of Syahmi Safari to the starting lineup following a long injury layoff. Deployed as a right-sided centre-back, he delivered a composed and intelligent performance, effectively neutralising Jovan Motika in several one-on-one situations. His presence added depth and stability to JDT’s defensive unit.

In attack, Oscar Arribas showcased a more mature and team-oriented display. Rather than dominating possession with prolonged dribbles, he focused on quick decision-making, accurate crossing, and incisive cut-backs—an evolution that proved crucial in breaking down Negeri Sembilan’s compact defence.

Midfield control was largely dictated by Nacho Méndez, who managed the tempo effectively and linked defensive transitions to attacking phases with composure. The winning goal itself stemmed from a well-executed sequence initiated by Natxo Insa, released wide to Arribas before Hidalgo’s clinical header.

Up front, the partnership of Bergson da Silva and Jairo offered movement and penetration, though finishing efficiency was not always clinical. Still, JDT’s defining trait was clear: an unwavering desire to keep attacking until the final whistle.

Negeri Sembilan FC: Defensive Progress, Attacking Frustrations

For Negeri Sembilan, there were genuine positives to take despite the result. The defensive unit showed significant improvement, operating with better structure and coordination. Kei Oshiro impressed alongside Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, while goalkeeper Azri Ghani remained reliable under pressure.

The standout performer, however, was A. Selvan, who delivered an exceptional all-round display. His defensive interventions, recovery runs, and willingness to drive forward on the counterattack set the tone for the team’s resilience. Selvan’s performance epitomised commitment and intensity, earning widespread recognition as one of the best players on the pitch.

Nevertheless, attacking inefficiency proved costly. The early loss of Esso reduced Negeri Sembilan’s attacking focal point, while promising counterattacks often broke down due to poor ball control or decision-making in the final third. Despite having opportunities from set pieces late in the game, the reluctance to fully commit numbers forward reflected a cautious mindset that ultimately backfired.

Lessons Moving Forward

This match offered clear lessons for Negeri Sembilan FC. While defensive organisation has improved markedly, the balance between protecting a result and actively pursuing victory remains crucial. Time management and conservative decision-making cannot replace intent and bravery—especially against elite opponents like JDT.

Blame may be placed on officiating decisions, but self-reflection is equally important. Progress will depend on converting defensive resilience into attacking conviction and ensuring that moments of opportunity are seized rather than preserved.

For JDT, the result once again underlined their champion mentality: relentless, patient, and decisive when it matters most.

Photo: IG deshooterz

Nidzam Jamil: “We Must Learn to Close Games at This Level”

Head coach Nidzam Jamil admitted that fine margins and sustained concentration were the key differences following Negeri Sembilan FC’s narrow defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Liga Super 2025–26 clash at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 9 January.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Nidzam stressed that elite-level football demands unwavering focus from the first minute to the very last.

“At the top level, football requires full concentration from minute to minute. At the moment, that is the difference between us and JDT,” he said.

The Negeri Sembilan head coach acknowledged JDT’s maturity and ability to maintain intensity throughout the match, even deep into stoppage time.

“They have gone through this process before. Their development is very good. Even after 90 minutes, they are still able to keep the same intensity and take risks in attack.”

Focus, Not the Clock

Addressing questions over extended stoppage time and the late goal conceded, Nidzam was clear that the core issue was not the number of added minutes, but game management and focus.

“This is not about whether it was nine, ten or twelve minutes. The issue is focus. We cannot control the clock or the atmosphere. What we can control is how we play and how we close the game.”

He added that Negeri Sembilan had managed to stay competitive until the closing moments, but failed to kill the game when the opportunity arose.

“We controlled the match until the 96th or 97th minute. But in football, if you don’t manage the small details, you will be punished. Two or three minutes earlier, we could have slowed the game down and closed it better.”

A Valuable Lesson Against the Best

Despite the disappointment, Nidzam viewed the encounter as an important learning experience for his squad.

“This is the second time we’ve conceded very late, and that means we have to learn how to become ‘big men’ in this league. These are lessons you learn when facing teams like JDT.”

He also praised his players’ commitment and effort against an opponent with depth and quality across the pitch.

“In terms of commitment, I have no issue at all. The players worked hard. But JDT’s quality and the tempo they maintain for 90 minutes is what really tests us.”

Nidzam concluded by reiterating that growth at this level comes through experience, discipline, and the ability to manage crucial moments.

“This is football. These lessons will shape us moving forward.”