THE LionsXII crashed out of the Malaysian FA Cup, after losing 0-1 to PKNS FC in their opening round on Saturday.

Midfielder Fauzan Dzulkifli's header in the 18th minute sent the hosts through to the round of 16, where they will face defending champions Kelantan.

The LionsXII and PKNS had also met at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Friday, but that match had to be abandoned late in the first half due to heavy rain and lightning.

In the rescheduled fixture, LionsXII winger Raihan Rahman was sent off in the 24th minute for a second bookable offence. He had picked up a yellow card on Friday, which had been carried forward.

The Singapore outfit had kicked off with nine men as captain Shahril Ishak (personal issue) and defender Faritz Hameed (National Service) had returned home the night before. Competition rules state that the teams must field the same starting line-up from the postponed game.

Coach V. Sundramoorthy made two substitutions within the first minute to make up the deficit.

The LionsXII return to Malaysian Super League action on Feb 15 when they host table-toppers Pahang.