SINGAPORE — The Malaysian Super League (MSL) title seem within touching distance, but the LionsXII’s midfield lynchpin Isa Halim is not entertaining talk of his side bringing home the trophy.

On Saturday, the LionsXII came one step closer to a first-ever MSL crown after a 1-1 draw against closest rivals Johor Darul Takzim at the Jalan Besar Stadium, which allowed them to maintain their four-point lead over their neighbours — Safuwan Baharudin’s 82nd minute equaliser cancelling out Leonel Nunez’s ninth minute opener for the visitors.

This means V Sundramoorthy’s side need just six points from the remaining three games to secure the title. Victory against Perak tomorrow means they can clinch the MSL title against Felda United at Jalan Besar Stadium next Tuesday, without needing a result at Kelantan in the final game on July 6.

“To fight so hard all season and come so close, it is very easy to think we have one hand on the title,” said Isa, 27. “It is in our own hands ... and to lose with three games remaining is something we definitely do not want to experience.”

“That is why older players like Shahril (Ishak), Baihakki (Khaizan) and myself will remind everyone, especially the younger and less experienced members of the team, of what is at stake, and that we still have a job to do.”

The LionsXII lead the MSL standings with 39 points after 19 games, four more than Johor Darul Takzim, with ATM FA third (33).

On paper, Johor Darul Takzim appear to have the easier final three games against bottom side Negeri Sembilan, Felda and Selangor.

“You never know. Negeri had upset ATM, and they can do the same to Johor as they also need points to avoid relegation,” said Isa.

TAN YO-HINN