Tag: sabah fc

Rajan Praises Fighting Spirit Despite Frustrating Night in Likas

Liga Super 2025-26 | LS19
Sabah FC vs Negeri Sembilan FC
28 February | Stadium Likas

Negeri Sembilan FC Interim Head Coach K. Rajan lauded his players’ commitment and adherence to the tactical plan following the Liga Super 2025-26 Round 19 encounter against Sabah FC at Stadium Likas.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Rajan emphasised that his squad delivered a disciplined and spirited performance on the night, fully executing the strategies prepared in training.

“Today, our players followed our game plan. They played well and gave 100 percent on the field. I think we must give credit to our players,” Rajan stated, acknowledging the team’s collective effort and determination throughout the contest.

Respecting Match Officials

When asked about certain key decisions during the match, Rajan maintained a composed and professional stance. He declined to comment on refereeing matters, reiterating that such decisions fall solely within the authority of the match officials.

“This one I cannot comment, because this is the referee’s decision, not my decision. From outside, you all can predict what will happen, what the referee will do. But this one you need to ask the referee. We need to follow the referee’s decision,” he explained.

His response underscored the club’s respect for officiating processes while keeping the focus firmly on footballing matters.

Focus on Midfield Control and Clinical Edge

Looking ahead, Rajan was clear about the areas requiring improvement as the Hobin Jang Hobin prepare for their next assignment. While satisfied with the team’s structure and effort, he identified midfield sharpness and attacking efficiency as key priorities.

“For the next game, we need to improve our midfield side, then our attacking and finishing,” he noted.

Despite creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Negeri Sembilan were unable to convert their chances into goals — a factor Rajan believes must be addressed immediately in training.

“Today we created a lot of chances, but we did not convert them into goals. Before the next game, we need to train and improve our finishing,” he added.

Building Momentum in Transition

As Interim Head Coach guiding the team through this transitional phase, Rajan’s message was clear: the foundations are in place. The players demonstrated discipline, commitment, and tactical understanding. The next step is translating performance into points.

With focused improvements in midfield control and attacking sharpness, Negeri Sembilan FC will look to turn positive displays into tangible results as the Liga Super 2025-26 campaign intensifies.

Motika Strikes, But Late Drama Denies Hobin Jang Hobin Full Points in Likas

Sabah FC 1–1 Negeri Sembilan FC
Malaysia Super League | Stadium Likas

Negeri Sembilan FC were forced to settle for a point after a dramatic second-half equaliser saw Sabah rescue a 1–1 draw at Stadium Likas earlier tonight.

The result marked a shared outcome for both newly appointed Sabah head coach Juan Torres Garrido and NSFC Interim Head Coach K. Rajan, as each manager collected a point in their respective first matches in charge.

Early Pressure from the Hosts

Sabah began the match on the front foot, testing the resilience of the Hobin Jang Hobin backline. In the 17th minute, a dangerous free kick from Dane Ingham nearly caught goalkeeper Azri Ghani off guard, but the national custodian reacted sharply to preserve parity.

Azri was called into action again in the 30th minute, producing another important save to deny a long-range effort from Fergus Tierney as Sabah continued to probe for an opener.

Motika’s Moment of Magic

Despite the early pressure from the hosts, it was Negeri Sembilan who struck first in the 33rd minute. Jovan Motika showcased composure and skill inside the penalty area, cleverly evading his marker before unleashing a powerful strike past Sabah goalkeeper Damien Lim to give NSFC the lead.

The goal shifted momentum and injected confidence into the visitors as they held firm heading into the break.

Tactical Changes and Mounting Pressure

Sabah intensified their attack in the second half, with Garrido introducing substitute S. Kumaahran in the 56th minute — a move that proved decisive. The winger’s direct running and creative deliveries immediately lifted the home side’s tempo.

Sabah created several clear opportunities, including two close attempts from import striker Chris-Marlon Ondong-Mba. His 58th-minute effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar, while another attempt seven minutes later rattled the woodwork.

Controversy and the Equaliser

The breakthrough for Sabah came in the 69th minute under dramatic circumstances. Following a quickly taken free kick by Duje Ljubic, Kumaahran capitalised on an unguarded goalmouth to slot home the equaliser.

In the build-up, Azri Ghani had moved out of position, appearing to approach referee Muhamad Afiq Naim Ahmad Khilmi to protest the awarding of the free kick. The referee subsequently consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system before confirming the goal.

A Point Each After Intense Finish

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive touch. The contest ended 1–1, with each team earning a point in a fiercely contested encounter.

The result sees Sabah move to 10th place with 15 points, while Negeri Sembilan remain seventh with 18 points from 17 matches.

For K. Rajan and his squad, there were positives in resilience and defensive organisation — but the narrow escape serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level. Hobin Jang Hobin will now turn their focus to the next fixture, determined to convert promising performances into maximum points.

Rajan Koran Targets Tactical Reset as NSFC Prepare for Crucial Likas Test

Negeri Sembilan FC Interim Head Coach Rajan Koran is set to roll out an enhanced tactical approach as the Jang travel to face Sabah FC at Stadium Likas tomorrow.

Entrusted with the responsibility following the resignation of Nidzam Jamil, Rajan expressed his gratitude to the club’s management for the confidence placed in him to guide the team through this transitional phase.

“I accept this challenge with full responsibility and determination to give my very best,” he said.

Tactical Refinement for a Fresh Start

Aware of the need to inject renewed momentum into the squad, Rajan revealed that his primary focus throughout the week has been to fine-tune the team’s playing structure. Targeted tactical adjustments have been introduced in training sessions to address shortcomings from the previous outing, with the effectiveness of the revamped system set to be tested in his first match in charge at Likas.

The encounter presents a stern challenge. Sabah are widely regarded as formidable on home soil, backed by passionate support that often transforms Likas into a fortress. Nevertheless, NSFC have crafted a refreshed game plan designed to absorb pressure intelligently while launching incisive attacks against the hosts.

No Complacency Despite Past Victory

Although NSFC recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Sabah in Paroi earlier this season, Rajan dismissed any notion of complacency.

“Previous results will not be taken into account. That match is in the past, and we will focus on one game at a time. Sabah are now guided by a new coach, so we do not know exactly what tactical setup or formation they will employ. But as a coach, I have prepared NSFC mentally and physically to adapt to this new system,” he added.

Squad Update Ahead of Likas Clash

Overall, the NSFC camp remains in satisfactory physical condition, with only a handful of players nursing minor knocks.

However, the Jang will be without two key figures for this important away fixture. Yuichi Hirano serves a one-match suspension following a red card in the clash against Imigresen FC last week, while Joseph Esso is also unavailable after accumulating three yellow cards.

Despite these absences, the team heads to Likas with renewed belief, a refined tactical blueprint, and a collective determination to rise to the occasion.

Match Analysis: Negeri Sembilan FC vs Sabah FC

1. Negeri Sembilan’s Key Improvements

One of the most significant highlights for Negeri Sembilan was the performance of Jovan Motika. In previous games, he often struggled in 1v1 or 1v2 situations, lacking the confidence and efficiency to beat defenders. Against Sabah, however, he showed real progress—confidently dribbling past defenders, creating space, and even scoring through individual brilliance.

  • Strength: Improved dribbling and confidence.
  • Weakness: End product still inconsistent—needs to develop his weaker foot for finishing.

Another standout was Alex Agyarkwa, who played a pivotal role in midfield. His ability to produce progressive passes, killer balls, and orchestrate attacks made him one of the best players on the pitch. He also contributed with a goal, proving his influence both creatively and directly.

Meanwhile, Joseph Esso showed versatility. Traditionally used as a penalty-box striker, in this match he frequently dropped deeper to act as a false nine, linking play and opening space. Once Negeri Sembilan made substitutions (bringing in creative midfielders like Mio Tsuneyasu and Luqman Hakim), Esso was free to return to the box—and he scored, underlining his striker’s instinct.

Takumi Sasaki, however, was less effective. Normally expected to be the creative hub as an attacking midfielder, his output dipped. When he was substituted, Negeri Sembilan’s attacking balance improved, showing that he needs to rediscover his rhythm to complement Esso instead of duplicating his role.

2. Tactical Shape and Weaknesses

Negeri Sembilan set up with a back four, supported by Zahril Azri as a defensive midfielder. At times, Ariff Ar-Rasyid pushed higher, leaving the back line morphing into a situational back three.

  • Strength: Structured build-up, fluid midfield rotations.
  • Weakness: Defensive vulnerabilities. Their high line left large gaps between centre-backs, making them vulnerable to direct long balls and counters. Sabah exposed these spaces several times, though they lacked the pace and finishing quality to punish NSFC.

Another issue was composure: under pressure, the Negeri Sembilan backline often conceded unnecessary fouls near their box, gifting dangerous free kicks. Against teams with more clinical set-piece execution, this could be costly.

3. Youth Impact and Substitutions

Manager Nidzam Jamil deserves credit for his man-management. His substitutions improved tempo and control in midfield:

  • Luqman Hakim: Much better than his debut—this time operating more centrally, using half-spaces effectively, and showing better dribbling confidence.
  • Mio Tsuneyasu: Came on as an impact sub, using his energy against tiring defenders. He was instrumental in creating chances late in the game.
  • Haiqal Danish: Also added stability and control.

These young players not only maintained the team’s momentum but also showed promise for future depth.

4. Sabah FC’s Approach

Sabah adopted a defensive structure with two central defenders (Rawilson Batuil and Dominic Tan) and high fullbacks (R. Dinesh and Ingham). Their main attacking approach was direct play and long balls, trying to exploit NSFC’s defensive gaps.

  • Strength: Good idea tactically—exposing Negeri Sembilan’s high line.
  • Weakness: Poor execution. They lacked pacey wingers and a striker capable of finishing those transitions. Mujagic, their forward, was ineffective in this style.

Sabah also tried to rely on set pieces (corners and free kicks) to create danger. While they won several, the delivery and finishing were below standard. Players like Stuart Wilkins and Cifuentes dropped deep to link play, but without proper support from wingers, attacks fizzled out.

5. Key Takeaways

  • Negeri Sembilan FC: Improving steadily, with standout performances from Motika, Alex, and Esso. Tactical discipline was good in attack but defensive gaps remain a concern.
  • Sabah FC: Tactical idea was right but lacked the personnel to execute. Without clinical finishing or fast wingers, they struggled to capitalize on NSFC’s weaknesses.

Final Verdict:

Negeri Sembilan controlled the game with superior midfield creativity and effective substitutions. Their attack is evolving positively, but defensive composure and spacing remain issues to fix. Sabah had opportunities through counters and set pieces but failed to convert, highlighting the need for more clinical attackers.

Ruthless Jangs Stun Sabah with 3-0 Triumph at Paroi

Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) delivered a commanding performance on home soil, defeating Sabah FC 3-0 in their Super League clash at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi, tonight.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 26th minute through import striker Jovan Motika, who dazzled with a mazy run past two defenders before unleashing a thunderous strike that left goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat helpless.

Head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil’s men doubled their advantage in the 40th minute when Alexander Agyakwa produced a composed finish, sending the home crowd into raptures as NSFC took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break.

Sabah attempted to mount a comeback in the second half with several dangerous efforts, notably from Adjin Mujagic and Muhammad Jafri Firdaus Chew, but NSFC’s rock-solid defense stood firm.

Motika nearly bagged his second goal of the night in the 64th minute after another brilliant solo run, only to see his effort fly narrowly wide.

The home side sealed the victory in the 79th minute when Joseph Esso clinically finished off a superb pass from Mio Tsuneyasu, sending the packed stadium of over 20,000 fans into celebration.

Adding to the excitement was the debut of young forward Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who impressed with his explosive runs and sharp passing, further strengthening NSFC’s attacking presence.

The emphatic win lifts NSFC to fourth place in the league with eight points, while Sabah continues to struggle in 10th with just three points.

MSL 25/26: Negeri Sembilan FC Versus Sabah FC Ticket Sales Info

Tickets for the Malaysia Super League 25/26 match between Negeri Sembilan FC and Sabah FC on 27 September 2025 at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi will be on sale!

Click the link below to purchase:

https://tickethotline.com.my/events/-NSEvsSAB

Choose Pintu A, Pintu B, or Pintu C sections only for home fans.

Physical Ticket Sales Information – MSL 25/26

📍 Wisma PBNS
🗓️ 17–19 September & 22–26 September
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi
🗓️ 27 September (Saturday)
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Grandstand Counters)
⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:45 PM (Counters 7 & 13)

Secure your seats early and be part of the Paroi roar as we take on Sabah FC.

Let’s Fill Paroi!