Negri Sembilan secured a late draw against Star City in a Malaysian Super League match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday, coming back from a two-goal deficit to finish 2-2. Winger Akhyar Rashid played a pivotal role for the home side, scoring both goals including a stoppage-time equalizer that ensured the hosts avoided defeat.

Star City took the lead in the 39th minute when Brazilian winger Pedro Henrique capitalized on a precise through ball from fellow Brazilian Pedro Santos. Henrique rounded off the move by beating Negri goalkeeper Azri Ghani and slotting the ball into the net. The visitors doubled their advantage just a minute after the halftime restart through Bahraini midfielder Moses Atede, who collected a pass from Henrique before unleashing a low, powerful shot just outside the box.

Negri found a glimmer of hope in the 74th minute when Brazilian defender Rafael Vitor fouled striker Abdul Rahman Daud inside the penalty area. Akhyar Rashid converted the resulting spot kick, beating Star City goalkeeper Farhan Majid to reduce the deficit. The hosts pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, while Star City remained dangerous on counter-attacks, seeking a decisive third goal.

Akhyar ultimately delivered again deep into injury time, curling a precise shot from inside the penalty area to complete his brace and salvage a point for Negri. The comeback draw leaves Negri Sembilan with four points from their opening matches, sitting in sixth place on the league table, while Star City remain near the bottom in 10th place with one point.

Following the match, Negri coach Daniel Gimenez expressed mixed emotions about the result. “I was talking to the staff and I don’t know how to feel – if I should be happy or angry, or take it as a win or a loss,” said the Spaniard. “It was a mix of feelings during the 90 minutes. We got the point but it is not what we expected, but it is better than zero.”