Football: LionsXII cruise to victory in first M’sia Cup home match in 17 years

SINGAPORE: The LionsXII have won the first Malaysia Cup match to be played in Singapore in 17 years, beating Selangor PKNS 3—1.

The Lions won their first game in Group A of the cup competition and often threatened to score more as captain Shahril Ishak starred with a second—half goal and an assist.

But as the match wore on, PKNS also threatened to score enough goals to equalise.

PKNS shocked the hosts with the opener in the 6th minute, as Fazli Baharudin punished the Lions for losing the ball in midfield, finishing off a breakaway from midfield.

However, the Lions struck back in the 12th minute, Khairul Amri announcing his return to the side with the equaliser. He put the finishing touch to captain Shahril Ishak’s low cross.

With the momentum of the match on their side, the LionsXII took the lead in the 18th minute. Midfielder Hariss Harun was fouled about 25 metres from goal, and Shaiful Esah, deadly from set—pieces throughout the night, thundered the Lions into the lead.

He fired a brilliant freekick that dipped over the PKNS wall to send the home crowd wild, and set the Lions to victory.

—CNA/ac