Negeri Sembilan FC became the first team to book their place in the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 quarter-finals, advancing with a 5-1 aggregate win despite falling 1-0 to PDRM FC in the second leg of the Round of 16 at the Stadium, MPS, Selayang.
The Jang squad had already built a commanding lead after their 5-0 thrashing of The Cops in Paroi on August 18, and the advantage was enough to carry them through comfortably to the next round.
PDRM, however, showed spirit in the return leg, striking early in the 4th minute through Fakhrul Azim, who rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Korean defender Park Tae-soo.
The hosts had a golden opportunity to close the aggregate gap further in the 58th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Negeri Sembilan goalkeeper Azri Ghani fouled striker Bernard Doumbia. Yet, Ahmad Israiwah squandered the chance, blasting his effort over the bar. Minutes later, Doumbia himself was denied by Azri in a one-on-one situation inside the penalty area.
Negeri Sembilan, managed by Nidzam Jamil, tried to regain control by introducing key players such as Jovan Motika, but the visitors were unable to find the net in Selayang, settling for the aggregate victory despite the narrow defeat.
Looking ahead, Negeri Sembilan will face either last season’s runners-up Selangor FC or Malaysian University (MUFC) in the quarter-finals. On paper, Selangor are favorites to progress after taking a 3-1 lead from the first leg on August 16, with the decisive second leg scheduled at the MBPJ Stadium tomorrow.
Credit Photo : NSFC
