LionsXII experiment coming good: Team spirit and familiarity from Malaysia competitions serving them well in Suzuki Cup

SINGAPORE - He started the first two group matches with eight LionsXII players and, when Singapore walked off the Shah Alam Stadium pitch last Saturday after securing their place in the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup with a 4-3 victory over Laos, there were again eight players in the line-up who had spent the entire season playing in Malaysian competitions.

Indeed, the presence of so many LionsXII players in Radojko Avramovic's first XI in Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Football Association of Singapore's decision to send a team to compete in the Malaysian league and cup competitions - which was initially criticised as a step backwards for Singapore football - is starting to look like a shrewd tactical move.

On Saturday, the Lions play the Philippines in Manila, in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Apart from captain Shahril Ishak, who was the LionsXII's top scorer during the Malaysian Super League and now heads the Suzuki Cup Golden Boot chart with four goals, centre-backs Baihakki and Safuwan Baharudin have also been putting in solid performances so far.

Indeed, Baihakki admitted that he was glad to see 12 LionsXII players winning their place in Avramovic's squad of 22.

"It's like we've built a family while playing in the LionsXII, and the players got to know each other so much better," he said.

Midfielder Isa Halim agreed.

"It has been beneficial because we are comfortable with each other, having played week in, week out together," he said. "The advantage is the understanding and telepathy of knowing where to run and where our team-mates will be."

However, even though he was an automatic pick for the LionsXII, Isa has found himself warming the bench for all three group matches, and he admits it has been tough.

"But it's not about me," he said. "It's about the team and the coach will choose his best players for every game. I'm just making sure I am always ready when I'm called upon."

The Lions lost both their friendlies against the Philippines this year - 2-0 at home in September and 1-0 in Cebu last month - and will want revenge in Saturday's opening leg at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and the return leg at Jalan Besar next Wednesday.

"We've watched videos of our two defeats against them and have analysed our mistakes," said Shahril. "I know coach Raddy has a plan for us and we will play to his instructions."

Apart from playing to Avramovic's instructions, Baihakki, who was part of the winning squads for the 2004 and 2007 AFF Championships with Shahril, said there is currently a good vibe in the squad.

"It's another two hard games coming up. But this team has character, with players who have won this tournament before and a good mix of experienced and young players," he said. "There is a similar feeling this year to the winning campaigns of 2007 and 2004, and hopefully we will end up with the same result."

However, the Lions will be without midfielder Shi Jiayi for the semis. The China-born midfielder has flown to Shanghai to attend to a family emergency and will not be available for Saturday's match. He is also a doubt for the return leg.

The Lions fly to Manila at 10am tomorrow.

Taken from Today Online