Malaysia Cup: Bottom-placed LionsXII to attack

IPOH - For the past two seasons, they have lived by the mantra of "win at home, do not lose away" to great success.

Madhu Mohana (left) and Baihakki Khaizan taking part in an indoor training session yesterday.

Until Tuesday night.

On Tuesday night, the LionsXII will take to the Perak Stadium pitch in Ipoh knowing that anything less than a win could leave their hopes of reaching the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals in tatters.

"We're now under pressure to get out of the group," admitted midfielder Isa Halim. "Yes, we still have three games after this but we need to collect three points here to gain confidence."

For good reason, too. The Malaysian Super League-winning LionsXII are currently bottom of Group D, with one point to show from their opening two matches. But when asked about his side's unfamiliar position at the foot of the table, coach V. Sundramoorthy remained optimistic.

"At least we can't go any lower," the 47-year-old quipped. "But we need to go up. That means performing well and trying to collect points."

That said, the former Lion admitted that his side - made up primarily of players aged 23 and below - are the underdogs going into tonight's match.

"Perak are the favourites," Sundram said of the table toppers, whose supporters are among the most rabid in Malaysian football. "We have a young squad; the crowd and atmosphere will be part of their learning experience."