Tag: dpmm fc

Unbeaten Run Continues, But Rajan Demands More as Jangs Share Spoils with DPMM

Negeri Sembilan FC’s interim head coach K. Rajan struck a balanced tone following his side’s draw against DPMM FC, praising his players’ commitment while calling for sharper defensive discipline in the matches ahead.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025–26 clash (LS22) at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 12 April, Rajan described the result as “fair” despite believing his team had done enough to win. 

“We played well and followed the game plan. We created a lot of chances, but our opponent also defended well. I think today we were a bit unlucky,” he explained.

Attacking Positives, Defensive Concerns

Rajan was quick to highlight the attacking intent shown by his side, noting that the team controlled possession and consistently threatened in the final third. However, he did not shy away from addressing a recurring issue.

“Our defending side needs to improve because we concede goals too easily,” he admitted, pointing to lapses in defensive structure and communication as key areas requiring attention. 

Despite ongoing concerns about clean sheets, Rajan downplayed the narrative, arguing that the team’s attacking output must also be recognised.

“In football, it’s normal. People talk about conceding goals, but we are also scoring a lot. Still, we need to improve defensively—our shape, our communication, everything.”

Character and Fighting Spirit on Display

One of the standout positives for the interim coach was the character shown by his squad throughout the match. Rajan praised not only the players on the pitch but also the unity within the entire team environment.

“The boys showed good character. Everyone was encouraging each other—the players, the staff. We created many chances, and even the opponent had to clear several efforts off the line.”

Unbeaten Run a “Good Sign” — But Not Enough

The draw extends Negeri Sembilan FC’s unbeaten run under Rajan to four matches, a statistic he acknowledged as encouraging.

“Yes, it’s a good sign. We have scored around 10 to 12 goals and conceded only four or five. The team is getting better,” he said. 

However, the interim coach made it clear that progress alone is not the end goal.

“I am happy, but I want to win. I want three points. Still, for four games, this is a good sign for me and for my team.”

Looking Ahead

While the unbeaten streak reflects growing stability, Rajan’s message is clear: improvement—especially at the back—is non-negotiable. With attacking momentum already in place, tightening defensive organisation could be the key to turning draws into victories for Negeri Sembilan FC in the coming fixtures.

Late Fightback Saves the Jangs as NSFC Hold DPMM FC in Dramatic 2-2 Draw

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) showed resilience and character as a late resurgence salvaged a 2-2 draw against DPMM FC in an intense Liga Super encounter at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

The Jangs made a bright start, delighting the home crowd with the opening goal in the 30th minute. Japanese import Takumi Sasaki produced a composed finish after a precise assist from A. Selvan, breaking through the opposition defence with clinical efficiency.

However, the momentum shifted after the break as DPMM FC raised their intensity and began to dominate proceedings.

The visitors drew level in the 49th minute through Okechukwu Christian Irobiso, who powered in a header to silence the home supporters and make it 1-1.

NSFC were then punished again for a lapse in concentration. A well-delivered pass from Jordan Murray was calmly converted by Muhammad Hakeme Yazid Said in the 60th minute, putting DPMM FC ahead.

Stung by the setback, the hosts regrouped and pushed forward with renewed urgency. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Joseph Esso rose highest to head home a pinpoint delivery from Kei Oshiro, restoring parity and reigniting hopes at Paroi.

The result sees NSFC maintain their position in sixth place in the league standings with 23 points, while DPMM FC remain close behind in eighth with 22 points.

A hard-fought contest, the match underlined both the attacking promise and defensive lapses that NSFC will look to refine as the season progresses.

Late Penalty Drama Denies Negeri Sembilan FC Victory in Brunei

Negeri Sembilan FC were left frustrated after a late penalty saw DPMM FC salvage a 2-2 draw in a thrilling Super League encounter at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium earlier tonight.

The hosts, chasing their second win of the season, started strongly and created several dangerous chances in the opening half — the closest coming in the 13th minute when Jordan Murray’s strike flew narrowly wide of the Negeri Sembilan goal.

Negeri Sembilan soon found their rhythm, with Luqman Hakim Shamsudin testing DPMM goalkeeper Michel Dos Santos with a long-range effort in the 27th minute.

The breakthrough finally came for the visitors in the 54th minute when Jovan Motika’s precise free-kick was met by a well-timed header from Joseph Esso to give Negeri Sembilan a deserved lead.

However, DPMM equalised in the 62nd minute through a Jordan Murray penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Khuzaimi Piee.

Negeri Sembilan quickly restored their advantage just three minutes later, when Esso turned provider — setting up Motika, who fired home with a powerful finish to make it 2-1.

Unfortunately, more VAR drama struck in the 81st minute as another handball decision, this time against Filip Andersen, gifted DPMM a second penalty. Murray once again made no mistake from the spot to bring the game level.

The match ended 2-2, with Negeri Sembilan remaining in sixth place on 12 points — narrowly missing the chance to overtake Terengganu and Selangor in the standings.

Meanwhile, DPMM climbed to 10th with five points after eight matches.