LionsXII beat defending champions Negeri Sembilan 3-1

Source

By Sanjay Nair

The LionsXII picked up their most impressive win to date, beating Negeri Sembilan 3-1 in a Malaysian Super League tie at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was a thoroughly deserved three points for the hosts, who pummelled the defending Malaysia Cup champions from the kick-off. Captain Shahril Ishak and forward Sufian Anuar - making his first start - fluffed opportunities to break the deadlock early on.

But Shahril was not to be denied, converting a penalty on the half-hour mark after Negeri defender Shahurain Abu Samah handled a cross in the penalty box.

Midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman then doubled the lead in the 49th minute, capping off a slick give-and-go with Sufian to slot home from 10m out.

Shahril completed the rout on the hour mark, finishing with aplomb after Sufian's cut-back across the penalty box. Defender Firdaus Azizul bagged a consolation goal for the visitors with the final kick of the game.

With their victory, the LionsXII have picked up 11 points from seven matches. They next face Perak in Ipoh on Tuesday.