SINGAPORE – The LionsXII are one step closer to being crowned Malaysian Super League champions after drawing 1-1 with Johor Darul Takzim in tonight’s top-of-the-table clash.

The visitors, coached by Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad, took the lead in the 10th minute through Argentinean Leonel Nunez. The burly striker capitalised on a mistake by Shakir Hamzah to go clear of custodian Izwan Mahbud and tap the ball into an empty net.

LionsXII coach made an early substitution, replacing Gabriel Quak with Faris Ramli, to spark some life into the attack and the move paid off.

The home side were a lot more dangerous going forward after that but they could not find the equalising goal before the break.

The LionsXII launched attack after attack in the second half but were almost two goals down in the 69th minute. Nunez unleashed an audacious shot from the left flank but Izwan was up to the task and pulled off a brilliant save.

A breakthrough finally came for the LionsXII in the 82nd minute when defender Safuwan Baharudin took advantage of chaos in the penalty area to level the scores at 1-1.

The LionsXII now lead the table by four points with just three games remaining. They will next play Perak on June 25.