The LionsXII began their campaign for the Malaysia Cup with a 2-2 draw against Kedah in their opening Group D match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday night.

The hosts took the lead after 11 minutes when forward Fazrul Nawaz dispossessed defender Fariss Azlan before delivering a cross from the left flank for captain Shahril Ishak to nod into an empty net.

Kedah responded through Croatian striker Alen Guc, who equalised from close range in the 23rd minute.

The match escalated into a series of niggly fouls before forward Shahfiq Ghani's 25-metre free kick curled into the bottom corner.

Just when the Malaysian Super League champions thought they had sealed all three points, defender Shakir Hamzah brought down Syafiq Ahmad inside the box two minutes into stoppage time and Guc stepped up to convert the penalty.