Negeri Sembilan FC Head Coach Nidzam Jamil commended his players’ discipline, resilience, and collective commitment after guiding the team into the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup following the second-leg Round of 16 clash against Imigresen FC at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 25 January.
Speaking during the post-match press conference for the Malaysia Cup 2025–26 Round of 16 (Second Leg), Nidzam described the contest as a true cup battle, marked by intensity, tactical adjustments, and mental toughness from both sides.
“It was an open game. In the first half, there were many transitions, and in the second half, Imigresen became more direct and more physical after introducing fresh players. We had to compete and match their intensity,” said Nidzam.
He highlighted the team’s defensive organisation, particularly in the final 20 minutes, as a decisive factor in securing qualification. Imigresen FC arrived in strong attacking form, having scored 17 goals in their previous 10 matches, underlining the scale of the challenge faced by Negeri Sembilan FC.
“Our organisation, especially when defending late in the game, was very good. Against a team like Imigresen, that discipline is extremely important,” he added.
Nidzam also explained that certain late tactical decisions involved calculated risks, including fielding players who were still recovering from minor knocks. Despite the risk, he felt the decisions were necessary in the context of knockout football.
“This is a cup game. The most important thing is qualification. Sometimes you need to take a gamble, and tonight it paid off,” he said.
Addressing squad selection, Nidzam noted that several players were unavailable due to injuries and foreign player quota limitations. However, he reiterated that the team’s progress was built on squad depth and collective responsibility rather than individual reliance.
One of the notable moments from the match was the introduction of 22-year-old Afiq Fitri, who made his first appearance of the season in a high-pressure situation. Coming on in the final stages, Afiq showed maturity beyond his years, winning second balls and contributing defensively.
“He trained very hard every day. It’s not easy to come into a tight game during the last 10 minutes and handle that pressure. I’m very happy with his commitment and performance,” Nidzam said.
Looking ahead to the quarter-finals, Nidzam acknowledged that Negeri Sembilan FC will face one of the strongest teams in Malaysian football. Nevertheless, he embraced the underdog status and the unpredictability that defines the Malaysia Cup.
“We are still underdogs. But this is cup football — anything can happen. With hard work, commitment, and the support of our fans, we believe we can compete,” he concluded.
Negeri Sembilan FC now advance to the last eight of the Malaysia Cup with renewed confidence, built on teamwork, discipline, and belief in the strength of the entire squad.
