The Malaysia Super League encounter between Negeri Sembilan and Kuching City ended in a 2-2 draw, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. Beneath the drama of Negeri Sembilan’s comeback lay a contest shaped by tactical adjustments, midfield imbalances, and contrasting defensive approaches.

Negeri Sembilan: Resilience with Structural Weakness

Negeri Sembilan’s hallmark this season has been their capacity to fight back, and this match was no exception. Trailing by two goals, they once again relied on Head Coach Nidzam Jamil’s game management to engineer a response.

• Substitution Impact: The introduction of Hakimi Abdullah changed the tempo. Operating on the left, Hakimi’s direct running stretched Kuching City’s back line, creating both a near-penalty situation and a clear chance that he narrowly missed. His debut this season highlighted depth on the flanks, though consistency will be the next challenge.
• Midfield Balance: The tactical decision to field Wai Lin as a lone pivot placed heavy defensive responsibility on him. With Alex and Takumi Sasaki positioned higher upfield, Negeri Sembilan gained attacking creativity but sacrificed stability in transitions.
  • Alex thrived as a connector, producing progressive passes and directly contributing to Joseph Esso’s goal.
  • Takumi, while mobile and technically secure, often slowed progression by holding the ball too long—undermining fluidity.
• Defensive Fragility: The back line, comprising Harith Samsuri, Luis Enrique, Zainal Abidin, and Ariff Ar-Rashid, lacked compactness. Their struggles in set-piece marking and open-play transitions forced goalkeeper Azri Ghani into repeated interventions. His shot-stopping prevented Kuching City from killing the game early.

In short, Negeri Sembilan showed resilience in mentality but remain structurally vulnerable—over-reliant on individual moments and Azri’s brilliance at the back.

Kuching City: Tactical Stability and Emerging Stars

Kuching City approached the game with a clearer structure and balance, though lapses cost them victory.

• Fullback Play: Scott Woods and Jimmy Raymond pushed high in possession, supporting wide combinations. While Woods frequently linked effectively with Ramadhan Saifullah on the left, Raymond’s output on the right was less pronounced.
• Midfield Cohesion: Unlike Negeri Sembilan, Kuching City had equilibrium in the centre. Moses Atede anchored with discipline, excelling in interceptions while distributing progressive passes to launch counters. Ahead of him, Danial Asri added dynamism as a creator and late runner, while Petrus Shitembi balanced transitions by dropping when needed. Their chemistry allowed Kuching City to dictate tempo for large spells.
• Star Performer: Ramadhan Saifullah’s display epitomised his development. The winger tormented Negeri Sembilan’s defence with direct dribbles, cut-backs, and an assist. Once considered surplus at Johor Darul Ta’zim, he is emerging as one of the league’s most exciting left-sided attackers.
• Defensive Errors: Despite their organization, Kuching City conceded from a set piece and a defensive misjudgment against Joseph Esso. These lapses mirrored the fine margins at the top level—strong structures undone by isolated errors.

Lessons and Implications

• Negeri Sembilan must find midfield balance. Freeing Alex as a creator is valuable, but not at the expense of leaving Wai Lin exposed. Either a double-pivot or more disciplined pressing from advanced midfielders is required. Their attacking depth is promising, but defensive frailty risks undermining results.
• Kuching City displayed a more complete structure, with synergy in midfield and wide threats. If they can cut out defensive lapses and reintegrate key forwards like Joao Pedro, they may evolve from being competitive to genuine contenders.

Conclusion

This draw showcased why both clubs are emerging forces in the Super League: Negeri Sembilan with their fighting spirit and attacking creativity, and Kuching City with their tactical balance and rising individual talents. For now, the difference lies in stability—something Kuching City appear closer to mastering, while Negeri Sembilan must continue to refine.

Kuching City FC showed flashes of attacking promise and tactical structure, particularly in their opening win, but have since struggled against better-organized and higher-pressing teams. The side’s underlying issues — defensive errors, poor duel success, and inefficiency in final third — became increasingly exposed.

⚽️ MATCH-BY-MATCH SNAPSHOT

1. Kuching City 4–0 Kelantan Darul Naim

• Possession: 58%
• xG: 4.17
• Shots: 15 (8 on target)
• Touches in opp. box: 21
• Defensive errors: 2
• Result: Convincing win with fluid transitions and dominance in final third.

🔑 Key Players:

• R. Ngah (2 goals)
• J. Pedro (goal + creativity)
• Saifullah (wing threat)

🧠 Tactics:

• 4-4-2 shape, strong pressing, smart through balls (3).
• Exploited KDN’s lack of structure; excellent verticality and wing play.

2. DPMM FC 3–2 Kuching City

• Possession: 63%
• xG: 3.99
• Shots: 22 (5 on target)
• Touches in opp. box: 36
• Defensive errors: 8
• Result: Frustrating defeat despite dominance and high xG.

🔑 Key Players:

• Shitembi (7.9 rating — midfield control)
• Saifullah and Pedro (continued attacking output)

🧠 Tactics:

• 4-3-3 shape with fluid possession but vulnerable in transitions.
• Lack of duel success (only 36% total), and massive defensive lapses (8 errors leading to shots) cost them the match.

3. Kuching City 0–1 JDT

• Possession: 38%
• xG: 0.44
• Shots: 4 (0 on target)
• Touches in opp. box: 4
• Red card: Tanigawa 49’
• Result: Disciplined first half undone by red card and elite JDT control.

🔑 Key Players:

• M. H. Nadzli (GK, 4 saves, kept scoreline tight)

🧠 Tactics:

• Shifted to 4-1-4-1, defending deep and hoping for counters.
• Couldn’t break JDT press or hold possession (only 180 passes).
• Created no big chances; no shots on target; lost physical and aerial battles.

🔬 TACTICAL THEMES & INSIGHTS

🧠 Positives

1. Structured Build-Up (vs KDN & DPMM):
   • Good control through midfielders Atede, Shitembi.
   • Short combination play and occasional vertical balls.
2. Wing Play & Width:
   • Saifullah and Pedro provide penetration wide.
   • Frequently reached by Raymond or Woods overlapping.
3. Box Occupation (vs KDN & DPMM):
   • Touches in opposition box: 21 and 36 respectively.
   • Shows ambition and attacking intent when confidence is high.

❌ Recurring Problems

1. DEFENSIVE ERRORS:
   • 2 vs KDN, 8 vs DPMM, 5 vs JDT → 15 errors in 3 games, leading to dangerous chances or goals.
2. DUEL WEAKNESS:
   • vs DPMM: Only 25% ground duels
   • vs JDT: 31% ground / 29% aerial
   • Losing physical battles consistently.
3. LOW FINAL THIRD CONVERSION:
   • xG vs DPMM: 3.99 but only 2 goals
   • xG vs JDT: 0.44, no shots on target
   • Wasteful finishing or poor decision-making.
4. MENTAL FRAGILITY UNDER PRESSURE:
   • Red card vs JDT (Tanigawa) derailed a disciplined game plan.
   • Poor concentration in transitions vs DPMM (conceded right after scoring).

📊 PERFORMANCE TRENDS

Insight: Sharp regression in offensive threat and duel control, peaking vs DPMM but collapsing vs JDT.

🧭 STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

🔧 Tactical Adjustments:

• Switch to 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 in tougher fixtures for better midfield cover.
• Use Atede or Shitembi as deep pivots to avoid transition gaps.
• Develop set-piece strategies — low corner threat currently.

🧍 Personnel / Training:

• Prioritize defensive drills: clearances, pressure management, off-ball structure.
• Improve mental resilience: avoid drop in intensity post-conceding.
• Strengthen aerial and ground duel work, especially from midfield and fullbacks.

🎯 Attacking Focus:

• Add a second striker or No. 10 in matches where possession is high.
• Encourage more direct play when under pressing — especially vs top-tier clubs like JDT.

🧠 FINAL VERDICT

Kuching City FC is a side with modern possession ideas and fluid wide play, but they lack the defensive backbone and physical presence to sustain pressure or dominate top teams. A deeper midfield screen and smarter rotations could unlock more points.