Melaka United's stunning run in the Malaysia Cup has forced other teams to take notice of their progress as the Mousedeer hope it would be their year to finally claim glory in the competition.
For the record, Melaka are the worst-performing state team in the Malaysia Cup, as they have never made it to the final since the tournament's inception in 1921.
Other state teams have all tasted victory at least once in the Malaysia Cup and even clubs have won it in the past.
And coach Zainal Abidin Hassan may have found the perfect formula to rally his team to glory after their subdued campaign in the Super League, where they finished eighth.
On Thursday, Melaka continued their fine showing from their 2-0 win over Premier League champions Negri Sembilan in Group C by overcoming favourites Kedah 3-1 at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Star.
The unstoppable Mousedeer struck through Sony Norde (23rd minute) and Manuel Ott (38th and 52nd) to cancel out Kpah Sherman's seventh-minute goal for Kedah.
Zainal disclosed that his players are fired up following his pep-talk before the start of the Malaysia Cup.
"I touched on our mistakes and weaknesses during the Super League and also motivated the players to perform better in the Malaysia Cup," said Zainal after the match on Thursday.
"It looks like we have fixed our shortcomings as we are now top of the group with two wins.
"My team are feeling confident and are eager to fight on in the remaining matches.
"I do not want to touch on whether we can reach the quarter-finals yet. I want the players to enjoy every moment on the pitch and record favourable results for now."
On the win over Kedah, Zainal said his team followed instructions and were disciplined until the final whistle.
"We were a goal down after seven minutes, but my boys fought hard to score three goals.
"I hope the team will continue their momentum after the international break.
"I have reminded my players not to be overconfident after this victory over the Super League runners-up.
"They have to continue working hard to have any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals," he added.