Johor Darul Ta’Zim maintained their grip at the top of the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 standings after edging Negeri Sembilan FC 1-0 at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi.
Negeri Sembilan, known as The Jangs, fielded Azri Ghani between the posts, with Khuzaimi Piee captaining the side and Luqman Hakim spearheading the attack. JDT, meanwhile, entrusted Syihan Hazmi as their last line of defence, Afiq Fazail wearing the captain’s armband, while Brazilian duo Bergson da Silva and Jairo da Silva led the frontline.
JDT began the match at a high tempo, pressing aggressively in search of an early breakthrough. However, Negeri Sembilan absorbed the pressure well in the opening 15 minutes, remaining compact and disciplined at the back.
The visitors came close in the 23rd minute when Ager Aketxe unleashed a powerful effort, only for Azri Ghani to pull off a fine save. Afiq Fazail then picked up the game’s first yellow card in the 29th minute for a foul on A. Selvan off the ball.
Despite JDT’s territorial dominance, the hosts held firm, with Corbin Ong narrowly missing the target with a header in the 37th minute. Luqman Hakim also caused problems on the counter, but JDT’s defence, marshalled effectively by Corbin Ong, stood resolute. The first half ended goalless, with Negeri Sembilan introducing Mio Tsuneyasu for Joseph Esso late in the half.
The intensity rose after the restart as both sides pushed harder for the opening goal. Corbin Ong again threatened from a header in the 50th minute, while Bergson thought he had broken the deadlock three minutes later, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
Negeri Sembilan continued to show fight, with Mio Tsuneyasu injecting pace and energy into their attacks, but clear chances remained at a premium as the clock ticked past the 75th minute.
JDT came agonisingly close in the 86th minute when Teto Martin fired a fierce shot that was superbly saved by Azri Ghani. Just as it seemed the match would end in a stalemate, the visitors delivered the decisive blow.
In the 97th minute, Oscar Arribas produced a sublime pass to find Manuel Hidalgo, who made no mistake in slotting home the winner to break Negeri Sembilan hearts and secure a crucial away victory for JDT.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 win for Johor Darul Ta’zim, as the Southern Tigers extended their lead at the summit and underlined their title credentials once again.
Credit Photo : JST
