Nidzam Praises Players’ Fighting Spirit, Says Thousands Of Fans Spurred NSFC To Victory

SEREMBAN, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan FC head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil praised his players’ fighting spirit after they edged Selangor FC 2-1 in a Super League clash at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, last night.

Mohd Nidzam said the strong support of about 25,000 fans at the stadium fired up his team to dominate the match, even as they had to dig deep in the final 10 minutes to secure the win.

He said the showdown against the Red Giants, regarded as one of the league’s top teams, showed that NSFC is becoming more mature despite being under his leadership for only nine weeks.

“I’m proud of how the players responded in the second half, pressing hard and finding the goals we needed.

“Facing a quality side like Selangor is never easy, and there’s still plenty to improve, but this first home victory is a big boost,” he told reporters after the match.

He said the leadership of senior players has been crucial in guiding new teammates and providing balance on the pitch.

Commenting on his advantage of having previously coached Selangor, Mohd Nidzam admitted he was familiar with their style of play but stressed that NSFC’s victory came down to player discipline.

“Selangor is a strong side. Even though I once coached them, that doesn’t guarantee a win. NSFC’s success came from discipline and players executing their roles well,” he said.

In last night’s match, NSFC came from behind to defeat Selangor 2-1, thanks to two late goals from Japanese forward Mio Tsuneyasu in the 82nd and 90+2 minutes.

NSFC now sits sixth in the standings with three points, followed by Selangor in seventh on the same points, while Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) remains at the top with nine points.

-- BERNAMA