Result: Selangor FC 2–3 Negeri Sembilan FC (Agg: 6–3)
Negeri Sembilan FC delivered an inspired performance in the second leg of the FA Cup quarter-final, securing a 3–2 victory over Selangor FC at the MBPJ Stadium. Though the aggregate result favoured the hosts, The Jangs earned praise for their courage, pressing intensity, and creative spark — a display that reflected the team’s ongoing progress under Head Coach Nidzam Jamil.
Explosive Start and Relentless Pressing
From the very first whistle, Negeri Sembilan showed no intention of bowing out quietly. Their high pressing and quick transitions unsettled Selangor’s early rhythm, forcing errors and pinning the home side deep in their own half.
The breakthrough arrived when Muhammad Harith Samsuri rose highest to meet a corner, guiding the ball past the goalkeeper. Minutes later, N. Javabilaarivin doubled the advantage with a precise header from Joseph Esso’s pinpoint cross.
There was further drama when Jovan Motika found the net — only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside. Without clear VAR visuals, the call sparked frustration among fans, but Negeri Sembilan continued to press relentlessly and dictate the tempo.
Selangor’s Early Complacency and Tactical Imbalance
Holding a 4–0 advantage from the first leg, Selangor appeared overly comfortable in the opening half. Interim head coach Christophe Gamel opted for multiple changes that disrupted the team’s shape, particularly in midfield where Syahir Bashah and Aliff Haiqal struggled to gain control against Negeri Sembilan’s aggressive press.
Although Willian Lira started in attack, Selangor’s forward movements were often isolated and predictable. The defensive pairing of Harith Haiqal and Abualnadi faced difficulties dealing with Negeri Sembilan’s direct play and set-piece deliveries, allowing the visitors to create several dangerous moments.
Selangor Regain Footing After the Break
Gamel’s decision to introduce Faisal Halim early in the second half reignited Selangor’s attack. His pace and creativity opened up wider spaces, and it was Willian Lira who pulled one back with a composed finish from a low cut-back — a sequence that exposed Negeri Sembilan’s recurring issue of untracked runners inside the box.
Moments later, Faisal Halim struck Selangor’s second, once again from a quick transition and low delivery across goal. These goals highlighted both Selangor’s quality in wide areas and the defensive lapses that Negeri Sembilan must continue to address.
A Moment of Magic from Mio Tsuneyasu
The highlight of the night came through Mio Tsuneyasu, whose solo brilliance lit up the stadium. Gliding past multiple Selangor defenders, Tsuneyasu coolly slotted home Negeri Sembilan’s third goal — a moment of sheer individual class that underlined his growing influence in the team.
Positives and Areas for Growth
While Negeri Sembilan’s pressing, direct play, and attacking fluidity impressed, their defensive coordination remains a work in progress. Both goals conceded stemmed from cut-back situations and untracked runs, signaling the need for tighter man-marking and improved positional awareness.
Nevertheless, the team’s energy, tactical structure, and never-say-die attitude stood out. Players like Harith Samsuri, N. Javabilaarivin, Joseph Esso, and Mio Tsuneyasu were instrumental in driving the team’s tempo and creativity throughout the match.
Key Tactical Notes
- Formation: Familiar attacking structure; A. Selvan rested, Javabilaarivin started and made immediate impact.
- Goals: Harith Samsuri (12’), Javabilaarivin (27’), Tsuneyasu (70’); Willian Lira and Faisal Halim for Selangor.
- Strengths: High pressing, direct counter-attacks, strong set-piece execution.
- Weaknesses: Defensive tracking and central compactness during transitions.
Conclusion
Though Negeri Sembilan’s FA Cup journey ends here, the second-leg victory symbolized resilience, improvement, and pride. The Jangs proved they can challenge top sides through disciplined pressing, bold attacking football, and growing team chemistry.
Final Aggregate: Selangor FC 6 – 3 Negeri Sembilan FC
A courageous display that reignited belief — a sign that Negeri Sembilan FC’s rebuild is heading in the right direction.
