Negeri Sembilan FC head coach Nidzam Jamil admitted that a lack of concentration in the closing moments once again proved costly after his side suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Nidzam said the difference between his team and the league leaders lay in minute-by-minute focus and intensity, especially at the highest level.
“Top-level football demands concentration every minute. At the moment, that is the difference between us and JDT,” he said. “Even at the 90th minute, they maintain the same intensity, keep taking risks and sustain their attacking threat.”
Negeri Sembilan conceded deep into stoppage time for the second time this season, a pattern that Nidzam described as painful but educational.
“It’s bitter to swallow, but this is how we learn to be ‘big boys’ in this league. These are small details, but if you don’t go through them, you will be exposed,” he added, recalling a similar late concession against Terengganu earlier in the campaign.
On the controversial timing of the winning goal, which came in the eighth minute of added time, Nidzam chose not to dwell on refereeing decisions.
“I can’t control the referee or the atmosphere. Whether it’s nine, ten or twelve minutes is not the issue. The issue is focus,” he stressed. “What we can control is how we play and how we seal the game properly.”
The Negeri Sembilan coach acknowledged that fatigue and JDT’s squad depth played a major role, pointing to the Southern Tigers’ ability to introduce quality players late in the match.
“When they can bring on players of equal quality, the tempo stays high for 90 minutes. We managed to control the game until the 96th or 97th minute, but that last attack is football. Still, it could have been avoided if we killed the game earlier.”
Nidzam also addressed crowd incidents involving supporters, urging calm and maturity.
“Football offers pride and passion, but it is only football. Don’t turn it into violence,” he said. “We need a more positive football culture. Supporters bring their children to the stadium – we have a responsibility to set the right example.”
Despite the defeat, Nidzam praised his players’ commitment and remained optimistic, noting that several players are still settling in and others, including Anwar Sisay, have yet to feature.
“It’s not easy playing against JDT. Some players have only been here 10 days. But in terms of commitment and effort, I can’t ask for more,” he said.
Looking ahead to a demanding run of fixtures against Selangor, Immigration and Kuching City, Nidzam stressed the need for ambition and collective belief.
“We want to take this team to a better level than the past one or two seasons. This match is a good lesson,” he concluded.
Credit Photo : NSFC
