KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur must step up or risk missing out on a semi-final spot in the Razak Cup in Johor Baru.
KL currently sit third in Group A with seven points from two wins and a draw.
Pahang lead the group with 12 points, while Johor hold second place with nine.
Amirol Aideed Arshad's team face a crucial run of matches, with fixtures against Johor tomorrow, Selangor on Tuesday and Pahang on Wednesday.
Amirol, 29, who helped KL win the Razak Cup last year as a player, has since moved into coaching.
He noted that last year's success was aided by the absence of national trainees, who were barred from competing to prepare for the Hangzhou Asian Games.
"It's unfortunate that we don't have any national players in our squad this year," said Amirol.
"The Razak Cup is more competitive, and our goal is to reach the semi-finals.
"We need to secure points from our remaining three group matches to advance.
He added: "The best approach is to beat Johor and Selangor before we face Pahang, who have been consistent in the tournament."
Amirol, who won a silver medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, is confident his team can rise to the occasion.