Football: Early goal crucial to LionsXII’s hope of making semis

SINGAPORE: The LionsXII entertain Pahang in their Malaysia Cup second—leg quarterfinal tie at the Jalan Besar Stadium on October 2.

Trailing 2—1 from the first leg played in Kuantan, the Lions are hoping for a convincing win to seal their ticket to the semis.

Former Singapore national captain, Fandi Ahmad, said an early goal is key for LionsXII to make it to the last four.

"Definitely an early goal is the key for them to make it to the semi—final. And of course, they have a good defence, but in attacking, they lack the instinct to score. Lately, they have not been scoring, even in Pahang, it was an own goal. I am sure the coaches know what they (the strikers) are doing and I hope that they will polish them up before the next game.

"For me, an early goal will see them through, if not they will have problem because Pahang is an attacking team. They are very exciting when they go forward, but they also are very shaky at the back."

— CNA/fa