Venue: Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi
Result: Negeri Sembilan FC 2 – 0 PDRM FC

A Confident Rebound at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC produced a composed and convincing performance to secure a 2–0 victory over PDRM FC in front of their home crowd at STAR Paroi. Goals from Joseph Esso and a stunning free kick by Jovan Motika sealed the win, marking a strong response following the previous week’s defeat to Selangor FC.

Despite the two-goal margin, the match showcased tactical evolution, improved midfield cohesion, and better balance across all departments—signs that Head Coach Nidzam Jamil’s adjustments are beginning to bear fruit.

Tactical Adjustments Pay Off

One of the biggest improvements came from Nidzam’s decision to shift back to a four-man defensive line, abandoning the five-at-the-back setup used against Selangor. This adjustment gave Negeri Sembilan greater control in midfield and allowed the full-backs to push higher to support the attack.

The change also allowed better fluidity in transition, with the midfield trio of An Sang-Su, Takumi Sasaki, and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin taking charge of the tempo.

Midfield Dominance and Structure

In the absence of Alex Agyarkwa, who usually anchors the attacking buildup, Negeri Sembilan’s midfield showed impressive adaptability.

• An Sang-Su delivered one of his finest performances in a Negeri Sembilan shirt, functioning effectively as a defensive midfielder while also initiating forward passes that triggered attacking sequences.
• Takumi Sasaki complemented him with intelligent positioning and ball progression, supporting both defense and attack seamlessly.
• Luqman Hakim stood out as the game’s most dynamic player—versatile, energetic, and creative. Shifting between the left wing and central midfield, he displayed versatility and tactical maturity, registering multiple attempts and heavily contributing to the buildup that led to Esso’s goal.

This central trio allowed Negeri Sembilan to dictate play, win second balls, and maintain composure in possession—an area that had faltered in previous outings.

Frontline Efficiency and Room for Refinement

The attacking trio of Joseph Esso, A. Selvan, and Jovan Motika offered both flair and directness, though there remains room for refinement in their chemistry.

• Esso, while dropping deep at times to link play, was most effective when staying higher in the penalty box—ultimately rewarded with a well-taken opener.
• Selvan’s pace and direct play stretched PDRM’s backline, though his inverted runs occasionally narrowed the attacking shape.
• Motika delivered moments of brilliance, capped by a world-class free-kick goal. While technically gifted, he will need to quicken his link-up play and decision-making to enhance Negeri Sembilan’s collective fluidity in attack.

Solid Defensive Foundation

At the back, Negeri Sembilan displayed improved organization and recovery.

• Filip Andersen and Khuzaimi Piee swapped flanks effectively, offering balance between composure and aggression. Andersen’s comfort on the ball provided calmness in buildup, while Khuzaimi’s left-sided presence allowed the team to push forward safely.
• The return of Harith Samsuri at left-back proved pivotal. His ability to invert and support midfield transitions freed An Sang-Su to contribute more offensively.
• Arif Ar-Rasyid also impressed on the right, combining defensive discipline with overlapping runs.
• Goalkeeper Azri Ghani handled set-pieces and aerial threats confidently, particularly against PDRM’s physical forwards.

PDRM’s Direct Approach and Resilience

PDRM FC maintained their typical direct, long-ball approach, relying on set-pieces and aerial duels to threaten. Players like Fadi Awad, Israiwah, Henri Dumbia, and Hadi Fayyadh worked tirelessly, but Negeri Sembilan’s structured defense largely neutralized their efforts.

Goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal also deserves credit for several crucial saves that prevented a heavier scoreline. However, PDRM’s internal issues and lack of midfield control limited their ability to sustain pressure, despite flashes of danger from corners and free kicks.

Conclusion: Confidence Restored, but Refinement Needed

This 2–0 win not only brings three valuable points but also restores confidence within the Negeri Sembilan camp after the Selangor defeat. The tactical flexibility, midfield resilience, and improved defensive coordination were key takeaways from this fixture.

With stronger chemistry among the front three and continued balance in midfield, Negeri Sembilan FC look poised to build on this performance and carry their momentum into the next Liga Super encounters.

A Statement Victory at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) delivered a dominant performance in their Piala FA Round of 16 opener, overwhelming PDRM FC 5–0 at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi. Despite their opponents being reduced to 10 men as early as the 9th minute, the Jang’s quality, structure, and attacking intent suggested they would likely have secured a convincing result regardless of the numerical advantage.

The win extends NSFC’s remarkable scoring form—eight goals in their last two matches—showcasing the attacking philosophy that head coach Nidzam Jamil has instilled in just nine weeks of preparation. Nearly 4,500 supporters filled Paroi, further underlining the growing momentum and optimism surrounding the club.

Tactical Shape and Build-Up Play

From the outset, Negeri Sembilan operated with a back-four base in defense but morphed into a three-at-the-back shape in possession. Harith Samsuri shifted inward to form a left-sided centre-back role alongside Arif Ar-Rasyid and Luis Enrique, giving stability and flexibility in buildup.

On the flanks, Anwar Ibrahim alternated between tucking inside as an inverted full-back and pushing forward as an attacking outlet. This adaptability allowed NSFC to progress through multiple channels while maintaining defensive security.

Midfield Control – The Alex & Sasaki Axis

Midfield balance proved decisive. The import midfielder Wai Lin anchored play with defensive discipline, dropping deep when required to form a temporary back three. This freed Alex Agyarkwa to orchestrate as the creative hub, dictating tempo with incisive passing and intelligent combination play.

Ahead of them, captain Takumi Sasaki thrived as a free-roaming No. 10, linking with Alex to produce fluid attacking sequences. Their synergy made the middle third NSFC’s strongest sector, combining control with forward thrust.

Direct Running and Attacking Edge

On the flanks, Selvan stretched PDRM with pace, but it was winger Jovan Motika who stood out. His instinctive movement exploited gaps in PDRM’s defensive line, repeatedly timing his runs to perfection. While less effective in one-on-one duels, Motika’s direct running was a constant menace.

Up front, striker Joseph Esso provided the complete package—physical presence, clinical finishing, and unselfish link play. His ability to drop, dummy, or combine with Motika’s runs created multiple openings. Together, they formed a potent spearhead that dismantled PDRM’s defensive unit.

Substitutes and Impact

The introduction of Japanese forward Mio Tsuneyasu added further spark. His composed solo effort in the 74th minute capped a confident cameo, marking his arrival in Malaysian football with style.

With the tie virtually sealed, Negeri Sembilan continued to attack, displaying relentless intent rather than protecting their lead—a mentality that will please Nidzam Jamil and supporters alike.

PDRM’s Struggles

For PDRM, the early dismissal of Noel Agbre compounded their tactical vulnerabilities. Even before the red card, they struggled to cope with NSFC’s fluid build-up and midfield combinations. Their attempt to sit deeper and rely on set pieces proved ineffective, as lapses in discipline and cohesion were repeatedly punished.

Conclusion: A Rising Force

This emphatic result underlines Negeri Sembilan’s rise as a serious contender. With balanced midfield control, explosive wide options, and a reliable front line, the Sang Rusa have begun to showcase the hallmarks of a top-three challenger in Malaysian football.

The challenge now lies in maintaining consistency. A highly anticipated clash with Selangor FC awaits this weekend, offering the perfect test of whether Nidzam Jamil’s men can replicate their cup form in the league.

Final Score: Negeri Sembilan FC 5–0 PDRM FC