The 2012 season was LionsXII's debut season in the Malaysia Super League. LionsXII returned to Malaysia competitions 18 years after their predecessor withdrew from the competitions. The Lions finished MSL runners-up at the end of the season.
LionsXII debuted in the 2012 Malaysia Super League on 10 January 2012 with a 1âÂÂ2 home defeat to defending champions Kelantan FA. The Lions's first win was a 2âÂÂ1 victory over Kuala Lumpur FA on 17 January. They achieved the biggest win in the season by defeating Sabah FA 9âÂÂ0 on 16 June 2012. LionsXII eventually finished second in the league behind Kelantan FA.
On 29 December 2012, assistant coach Kadir Yahaya left his position at LionsXII and was replaced by Gombak United FC chief K. Balagumaran.
Final standings
LionsXII began their 2012 Malaysia FA Cup quest on 18 February, with a 3âÂÂ0 win over UiTM FC. The LionsXII made their way to the quarter-final with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Betaria FC on 10 March 2012. However, they were beaten by Terengganu FA in the quarter-finals.
The Lions marked their return to their most successful competition with a 0âÂÂ0 draw away to Johor FC. They eventually bowed out in the semi-finals after losing a penalty shootout to ATM FA with the score tied at 2âÂÂ2 after extra time.
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