Melaka FC secured their first victory of the 2026/27 Unifi Liga Super Malaysia season after defeating Negeri Sembilan 2-1 at Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong, with a dramatic late goal from Christian deciding a fiercely contested derby.
The result was even more impressive for Melaka as Negeri Sembilan were forced to play with 10 men for much of the second half following the dismissal of captain Khuzaimi Piee.
Both teams were desperate for their first three points of the campaign, with Negeri Sembilan finally making their official debut after their previous fixture had been postponed, while Melaka were looking to recover from a 3-0 defeat to Terengganu.
Negeri Sembilan entered the contest with several Malaysia internationals in their starting lineup, including Azri Ghani, Khuzaimi Piee and Akhyar Rashid.
Melaka, meanwhile, relied on the experience of goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, while imported forward Kpah Sherman led the attack.
The opening stages were controlled by Negeri Sembilan, although Melaka repeatedly looked dangerous when they moved forward.
The hosts eventually opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Japanese striker Yusuke Minagawa finished a precise delivery from compatriot Mio Tsuneyasu, who had created the opportunity with a clever piece of dribbling. Melaka FC 0-1 Negeri Sembilan.
Melaka responded strongly and eventually found their equaliser in the 33rd minute. Noel Agbre rose highest to head home a cross from a corner delivered by Do Dong Hyun, bringing Melaka level.
The momentum continued to shift between the two sides, with Akhyar Rashid going close before half-time.
Neither team could find another goal before the interval. Melaka FC 1-1 Negeri Sembilan.
The decisive turning point arrived seven minutes into the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Negeri Sembilan captain Khuzaimi Piee was shown his second yellow card after fouling Kpah Sherman while attempting to stop the Melaka striker’s run.
The dismissal left Negeri Sembilan with 10 players and forced head coach Daniel Gimenez to make tactical adjustments.
Four minutes later, Wai Lin Aung and Kei Oshiro were introduced as Gimenez attempted to reorganise his side.
Despite being down a player, Negeri Sembilan continued to defend resolutely and looked capable of escaping with a point.
But Melaka refused to settle for a draw. The breakthrough finally arrived deep into stoppage time.
Kpah Sherman cleverly found space and delivered the ball into the penalty area, where Christian reacted quickest and calmly finished to give Melaka the lead for the first time. Melaka FC 2-1 Negeri Sembilan.
There was no time left for Negeri Sembilan to respond. The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Melaka FC, giving the hosts their first three points of the new Super League campaign.
For Melaka FC, the victory provides an important response after their opening-day defeat to Terengganu.
The result also demonstrated the team’s persistence, particularly after falling behind in the first half.
For Negeri Sembilan, the defeat will be particularly painful after competing strongly for long periods and battling on with 10 men.
The lack of an attacking breakthrough in the closing stages ultimately proved costly.
Negeri Sembilan will now turn their attention to their next assignment against Kelantan City in Piala FA Malaysia 2026/27 Round of 16 First Leg.
Melaka FC, meanwhile, will face Penang FC in the FA Cup Round of 16 on 2 September, hoping to carry the momentum from their dramatic league victory into the knockout competition.
Credit Photo : NSFC
