SINGAPORE (1 Jan 2012) – The LIONSXII team put up an improved performance in their last two friendly matches – drawing 1-1 with PKNS FC and then 3-3 against ATM.
After losing 3-2 to Johor in a friendly the previous week at the Jalan Besar Stadium, the trip north to Kuala Lumpur is more fruitful for the newly-formed team that will be competing in the Malaysian Super League this year.
In the match against PKNS FC who will also be making their debut in the Malaysian Super League this year, Khairul Nizam gave LIONSXII the lead on 52 minutes after a first half deadlock.
But new import Michael Nicoise converted a penalty later in the game after Singapore defender Baihakki Khaizan was faulted for handling the ball inside the box.
“The team played better when compared to the first match and I think that we are shaping well for our first game in the Malaysian Super League (against Kelantan on 10 January 2012),” said team manager Eugene Loo.
In the meantime, LIONXII showed their tenacity when they came back from two goals down to draw ATM 3-3 in their second friendly in Kuala Lumpur this week.
ATM are playing in the lower tier of the Malaysian Premier League.
Shaiful Esah had given LIONSXII a 1-0 lead at the break but ATM were quick on the mark off a brace from Venice Elphi Danny Kaya and then another from Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak to put their noses 3-1 in front.
But as it turned out, Agu Casmir struck two late goals in the closing stages of the match for the equalizer.
The next friendly for LIONSXII will be against Johor FC on 4 January 2012.
