Imigresen FC and Negeri Sembilan FC were left deadlocked after a 0-0 draw in the first-leg tie of the Piala Malaysia 2025/26 at Stadium Negeri Pulau Pinang, Batu Kawan.
Negeri Sembilan, nicknamed The Jangs and coming into the match as favourites, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and attacking momentum from the opening whistle. The visitors pushed forward relentlessly through the likes of Takumi Sasaki, Khuzaimi Piee, Joseph Esso and Mio Tsuneyasu, but a resolute Imigresen defence stood firm.
Imigresen thought they had broken the deadlock in the 38th minute when Wilmar Jordan Gil found the net. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, keeping the scoreline level.
The hosts came closest in the second half when Fadzrul Danel Nizam unleashed a low drive in the 63rd minute, only to be denied by an excellent save from Negeri Sembilan goalkeeper Muhammad Aqil Abd Razak, who reacted sharply to push the ball clear.
Negeri Sembilan continued to apply pressure late on, introducing N. Javabilaarivin and Oday Kharoub in search of a breakthrough during the final 20 minutes. Despite the fresh legs, the visitors were unable to convert their chances.
Imigresen’s attacking fortunes also failed to materialise, with Elvis Kamsoba enduring a moment of misfortune when his boot came off during a shooting attempt, while Eduardo Sosa was forced off after sustaining a suspected left rib injury.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal, the tie remains wide open heading into the second leg at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, on January 25, where a place in the next round will be on the line.
Credit Photo : NSFC
