The LionsXII will have their work cut out for them when they get their 2015 Malaysia Cup campaign going this month — can Fandi and the boys win the coveted trophy?
On Sep 26, the LionsXII will make their way to the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium for their Malaysia Cup Group A clash against Terengganu, also known as The Turtles, whom they defeated in May in the Malaysia FA Cup semi-final over two legs.
Cut back to the 89th minute of the dramatic second-leg match at the very stadium. Nordin Alias wheels away after putting the ball in the back of the LionsXII net.
The Turtles — who were already 3-2 up on the evening — would have reached the final with their fourth goal of the second leg. Coach Fandi Ahmad’s side had edged the first leg 2-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
However, that was not to be. Nordin’s goal was disallowed for offside — a decision that caused pandemonium.
Terengganu’s Brazilian striker Paulo Rangel’s explosive reaction got him sent off and subsequently suspended from competitive football in June by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), for three months.
Argentinian playmaker Gustavo Lopez followed his teammate when he shoved the referee, and their team completed the game with nine men.
It took the LionsXII boys a few hours before they could leave the ground, as violent fans set parts of the stadium on fire.
Brazilian Hitman Out for Revenge
The return to Terengganu in the Malaysia Cup will be a baptism of fire for the youthful LionsXII team, that has drawn Kedah and Johor Darul Ta’zim II (JDTII) as the other two Group A rivals.
The likes of Madhu Mohana and Zulfahmi Arifin will try to contain the prolific Rangel — one of Malaysian domestic football’s top marksmen with 33 goals in the past three seasons — on his return to competitive action, having served his suspension.
Strangely, though, the Brazilian has never been in top form against the LionsXII, managing only three goals past Izwan Mahbud in goal.
Canaries & JDTII Ready to Spoil Party
While the odds favour Terengganu and the Lions XII to go through to the quarterfinals, Kedah and JDTII have enough in them to cause upsets.
The Canaries of Kedah are in buoyant mood, having just secured promotion to the Malaysian Super League (MSL), while JDTII has former LionsXII stars Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan in its ranks.
There could well be one or two giant-killing acts to be expected. From Group A, Kedah or JDTII could rewrite the expected script and bring back the romance of cup competitions.
By Kelvin Leong
By Kelvin Leong
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About Kelvin Leong
Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.[/su_note]
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