Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) head coach, Mohd Nidzam Jamil, expressed pride in his players’ commitment and determination despite falling 3-5 to defending 11-time Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their opening fixture at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, last Tuesday.

Nidzam acknowledged that while his side showcased moments of quality and resilience against Xisco Muñoz’s well-drilled squad, the loss was a hard pill to swallow — especially in a challenging away venue where victories are notoriously difficult to secure.

“Tonight, there are many aspects we need to review, particularly when we take the lead. Playing at JDT’s home ground, we must know how to handle their relentless pressure. Even after going 2-0 up, we conceded cheaply from a corner and failed to execute the offside trap effectively, which allowed them to capitalise,” he said.

The coach highlighted JDT’s expansive style of play and strong midfield control, which posed significant challenges for his team. Nonetheless, he praised his players for giving their all and urged them to maintain that fighting spirit for the rest of the season.

Injury Concerns

Nidzam confirmed the absence of forward Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who sustained a muscle injury five days prior and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Captain Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee was also unavailable, still recovering from a knee injury picked up in a pre-season friendly against Indonesian club Semen Padang.

“Their absence opened the door for players like N. Javabilaarivin, who spent the last two seasons in the A1 League, and Zainal Abidin Jamil, who played aggressively in defence,” Nidzam added.

Focus Shifts to FA Cup

Looking ahead, NSFC will host PDRM FC in the FA Cup Round of 16 first leg at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi. Nidzam views the home advantage as an opportunity to bounce back and deliver a stronger performance.

“We’ll continue to refine our tactics, strengthen the squad, and give our best in the upcoming match,” he said.

With the season still in its early stages, NSFC remain determined to improve their performances, fix defensive lapses, and climb the league standings while maintaining belief in their game plan.

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their 2025/2026 Liga Super opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night, which ended in a 5-3 defeat for his side.

He described JDT as a side of exceptional maturity and dominance, boasting a high-quality playing style that is difficult to match, particularly when NSFC had taken the lead away from home.

“We had to deal with pressure from a very mature team. They played with quality and high discipline. In several situations, we conceded from set-pieces such as corners, which shows there are weaknesses we need to address,” Nidzam said in the post-match press conference.

Despite the result, he praised his players’ commitment and determination to keep pushing until the final whistle, stressing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and a relentless approach in attack against any opponent.

“It’s not easy, but we must take the positives and continue improving, especially in tactical organisation and defensive discipline,” he added.

Looking ahead, Nidzam confirmed that NSFC will shift focus to the upcoming FA Cup, with home advantage serving as a crucial factor in their pursuit of victory. He urged supporters to remain patient and continue their backing as the club works toward higher standards.

The match itself was a rollercoaster, with NSFC starting brightly through an 8th-minute opener from Joseph Esso, followed by a quick-fire goal from Jovan Motika in the 12th minute. Motika struck again in the 60th minute, but JDT’s strong response secured them all three points in front of their home fans.

With the season still in its early stages, NSFC remain determined to refine their game and climb the Liga Super standings.