Sidang media selepas perlawanan Negeri Sembilan FC vs Terengganu FC | Liga Super 2025/26 | LS10 | 22 November | Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman
Negeri Sembilan FC were left with mixed emotions after a 1–1 draw against Terengganu FC at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, despite playing with a one-man advantage for most of the match.
In the post-match press conference, head coach Nidzam Jamil shared an honest and reflective assessment of his team’s performance, calling for greater maturity, tactical discipline, and a true “winning mentality.”
“We lost two points today.”
Opening his remarks, Nidzam admitted that the team should have secured all three points, especially after Terengganu were reduced to 10 men early in the match.
“I feel we lost two points. Against 10 men, we needed to show better tactical management and know how to kill the game.”
Despite the numerical advantage, Nidzam highlighted that Terengganu continued to control portions of the match and even threatened late on, exposing moments of naivety from his squad.
Learning How to ‘Kill the Game’
The head coach emphasised that closing out matches is not just about tactical precision, but also mental strength.
“We need to grow mentally as winners. When we’re leading, we must know how to finish the game. We cannot afford small mistakes.”
He cited previous matches—against Brunei and Penang—where similar lapses occurred, reminding the team that these patterns must be corrected for the club to progress.
Playing Against 10 Men Is Not Always Easier
Nidzam also pushed back on the perception that facing a team with fewer players automatically guarantees superiority.
“Many people don’t agree, but playing against 10 is often the hardest. The team with 10 players usually shows more concentration than the 11.”
He stressed that football requires collective thinking—numerical advantage only matters when the entire team responds with the right mentality and discipline.
Praise for Luqman Hakim’s First Super League Goal
One bright spot from the match was Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who scored his first Liga Super goal for NSFC.
“I’m happy for him. He works hard in training and with the national team. He deserves that goal.”
Nidzam expressed confidence that Luqman’s continued development will benefit the squad in upcoming matches.
Recognising Progress, But Demanding More
Reflecting on their opponents, Nidzam reminded that Terengganu—consistently finishing in the top four in recent seasons—are a strong side, while Negeri Sembilan are still building from last year’s 13th-place finish.
“There is improvement, but why take one point when we could take three? We must learn and grow from this.”
Despite the frustration, he remained positive about the team’s trajectory, stressing that such challenges are part of the evolution of a developing squad.
Negeri Sembilan FC resume preparations immediately, with Nidzam emphasising that the next phase of the season requires sharper focus, stronger mentality, and the hunger to secure maximum points.
Demi Negeri, Demi Negara. Hobin Jang Hobin!
