The LionsXII's Malaysia Cup hopes now hang by a thread after losing 2-1 at home to holders Pahang.

Powerful Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme found space inside the box to place the ball in the top corner in the 13th minute after three players failed to cut out a low cross from the left.

And with three minutes to the final whistle, the visitors's soak and strike tactics paid off with a fast breakaway attack that saw striker Fauzi Rozlan hammer a 20m piledriver past the despairing dive of goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.

The hosts scored a consolation in the fourth minute of stoppage time in controversial circumstances. As the ball clearly went out of play, it bounced back in but referee Zulkifli Ahmad and his assistant allowed play to go on and Safuwan Baharudin continued dribbling to set up winger Faris Ramli for a tap in.

The LionsXII had their chances, with left midfielder Hafiz Abu Sujad's deflected shot off a corner hitting the post on the stroke of half-time while striker Sufian Anuar failed to connect with winger Faris Ramli's cross in front of an open goal in the 47th minute. Attacking midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin also hoofed a clear shooting opportunity over the bar two minutes later after more good work down the right from Faris.

Fandi Ahmad's men opened their Group A campaign last week with a 0-0 draw at home to Felda United. Their next fixture is a trip to Johor Darul Takzim II on Saturday.