Johor DT have made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian team to win the AFC Cup after defeating Istiklol 1-0 earlier today.
Despite playing on the Tajik League side’s home ground, JDT fought valiantly throughout the match, and clinched a momentous triumph courtesy of Leandro Velazquez’s solitary goal on the 22nd minute mark.
The match started rather slowly with both sides trying to assert themselves in the game. Istiklol were visibly the stronger side, as they dominated possession with Dzhalilov proving to be a major threat upfront.
In fact, they almost broke the deadlock on the ninth minute, though a last-minute intervention from Aidil Zafuan rescued the away side. Then came the shocking moment as JDT silenced the home fans by seizing the lead on the 23rd minute, through Leandro Velazquez’s fantastic attempt.
The home team pushed hard in search of the equalizer but despite their best efforts, the score line remained as both sides went into the break.
In the second half though, Istiklol upped their tempo and found the back of the net on the 50th minute through Dilshod Vasiev, though the goal was eventually ruled out due to offside.
Their constant pressure force the JDT team to adopt a conservative approach, which resulted in Safee and Luciano Figueroa being booked. On the 74th minute, Istiklol once again, found the back of the net, but even this one was ruled out after Marcos Antonio was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box.
They mustered waves after waves of attack, searching for the coveted equalizer, but Marcos was an absolute rock at the heart of JDT’s defence, much to the frustration of the home side.
To add to their agony, Istiklol scored right at the death, though the goal was rightly ruled out, yet again, for offisde. Moments later, the final whistle was blown and the JDT players exploded into radiant ecstacy!
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