The LionsXII have crashed out of the Malaysia Cup even though they played one of their best games of their season when they came from behind to beat holders Pahang 2-1 on Friday evening.

Right-back Madhu Mohana got the winning goal on 83 minutes at Kuantan's Darul Makmur Stadium, heading in a Faris Ramli free-kick.

Pahang's Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme's close-range strike gave the hosts the lead after nine minutes but striker Sufian Anuar steered a looping header into the net to equalise in the 51st minute.

Needing two wins from their remaining two Group A matches to reach the quarter-finals, Fandi Ahmad's men completed the first part of their rescue mission with this win in Pahang to take their tally to five points but Felda United's 3-1 victory over Johor Darul Takzim meant that the Selayang-based club now has 10 points. With Pahang on nine points, the Singapore side are out, regardless of their final result at Felda on Sept 2.