Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) goalkeeper Farizal Marlias was unfortunate enough to not help his side advance to the qualifying playoff round after conceding three penalties in a thrilling encounter against Thai giants, Muangthong United.
However, he was JDT’s best performer of the night as he single-handedly (literally) brought the game into extra-time, and then to a penalty shoot-out.
The JDT custodian managed almost ten world class saves against the likes of Cleiton Silva, Junior Negrao and Thitiphan Puangchan. He showed a great deal of confidence with the ball at his feet, and not forgetting a couple of times when he came off his line to collect the ball in the air.
His opposite number, Kawin Thamsatchanan saved all three penalties and was unofficially rewarded as the man of the match, but he did not have much to do during the game in comparison to Farizal.
Farizal would be disappointed with the result, but pleased with his team’s performance as they showed a high level of discipline throughout 120 minutes.
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