LionsXII’s double dream in tatters

IPOH – The LionsXII’s bid to win the league and cup double suffered another blow today (Aug 27) after they lost 1-0 to Perak. The defeat left them bottom of Group D with just one point after three games.

The home side took the lead after just eight minutes when the LionsXII defence failed to clear a long-throw, allowing Azlan Ismail to tap in from point-blank range and send the home crowd into a frenzy.

The LionsXII struggled to find any rhythm to their play in the first half but poor finishing by Perak’s attacking duo of Azlan Ismail and Paulo Rangel meant that the visitors went into the break just one goal down.

It was more of the same in the second half and only a brilliant save from Izwan Mahbud prevented Perak from doubling their lead seconds after the restart.

The introduction of Faris Ramli for Syafiq Zainal sparked some life into the LionsXII attack, and the visitors finally registered their first shot on target in the 65th minute.

Despite a late rally, which saw Shahril Ishak, Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan Baharudin all squander great chances to level the score, the LionsXII were not able to breach the Perak defence and now face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages of the Malaysia Cup. "It was a hard fought victory. I always said the LionsXII are a team who will not give up easily. They tried so hard but maybe it was just not their night. We will travel to Singapore with our confidence bolstered by tonight's win," said Perak's coach Azrai Khor Abdullah.