Negeri Sembilan II 3–1 Kedah FA: Home Side Fight Back to Claim A1 Semi-Pro League Win

Negeri Sembilan II produced a spirited second-half performance to defeat Kedah FA 3–1 in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League on 6 September 2026. After falling behind in a lively opening period, the home side responded with three unanswered goals to secure a valuable victory in front of their supporters at 16:45.

Match overview

The fixture was always expected to be a battle between two sides with contrasting ambitions — Negeri Sembilan II eager to build momentum on home turf, and Kedah FA equally desperate to pick up points on the road. The visitors edged ahead early, but their lead was short-lived as Negeri Sembilan II grew into the match and began forcing errors from the Kedah defence.

By the final whistle, the 3–1 scoreline reflected a deserved home success, with the hosts dominating much of the second half and creating a host of chances beyond those that found the net.

Key moments

• Kedah take the lead: A well-worked move caught the home defence out of position, with the away forward slotting home from close range.
• Home response: Negeri Sembilan II equalised before the interval with a powerful header from a corner, shifting the momentum of the match.
• Second-half turnaround: A swift counter-attack early in the second period allowed the home side to take the lead for the first time.
• Crucial third: A late penalty, won after a prolonged attacking spell, sealed all three points for Negeri Sembilan II.

Tactical story

Kedah FA began the match in an aggressive 4-3-3 shape, pressing high and forcing Negeri Sembilan II into hurried clearances. The visitors’ early goal came as a result of that press, with a loose pass punished in ruthless fashion. As the first half progressed, however, the home midfield began to find more space, particularly in the half-spaces between Kedah’s lines.

Negeri Sembilan II adjusted at halftime, withdrawing their wide players slightly to deny Kedah’s full-backs room to advance. This shift reduced Kedah’s attacking output almost entirely. The home side’s second and third goals both came from quick transitions that exploited the spaces left by a tiring Kedah midfield.

Standout performers

Negeri Sembilan II’s central striker was the focal point of their attacking play, scoring once and providing the assist for the second goal. His tireless running and clever link-up play tormented the Kedah back line all afternoon. In midfield, the home captain drove the team forward with a series of energetic bursts, while the left-back’s delivery from open play also created several excellent opportunities.

Kedah FA’s goalkeeper deserves a mention for making a string of saves that kept the score from becoming even more lopsided. Their early goal-scorer was otherwise isolated and received limited service as the contest wore on.

Table and season impact

This victory allows Negeri Sembilan II to climb the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League standings and will do wonders for morale among a young squad looking to impress. For Kedah FA, the defeat is a disappointing setback, especially after their promising start saw them take an early lead. The side will need to strengthen their resilience when defending leads if they are to climb up the table in the next round of fixtures.