Johor DT (JDT) kicked off their AFC Cup campaign with a comfortable 8-1 win over Ayeyawady United in their first Group H match at the Larkin Stadium in Larkin, Johor Bahru tonight, courtesy of a Safiq Rahim hattrick, a brace from Juan Martin Lucero and a goal each from Pereyra Diaz, Marcos Antonio and Aidil Zafuan.
Head coach Mario Gomez left Singaporean midfielder Hariss Harun out of the squad and Azinee Taib on the bench in their encounter against the General Aung San Shield winners. Argentinian Juan Martin Lucero was handed his first start in a JDT jersey.
The AFC Cup tie started with a bang as captain Safiq Rahim scored the first goal of the game on the 5th minute, after his shot seemed to deflect off a defender, which left Ayeyawady’s goalkeeper Vanlal Hruala in no man’s land. Safiq Rahim started his run from the halfway line, dribbled past a few Ayeyawady players before unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box. The JDT fans in the stadium erupted with joy.
Shortly after, a brilliant run from Thiha Zaq gave him the opportunity to curl one in past Farizal Marizal, which completely silenced the stadium. The shot was perfectly executed as it flew into the far post and not even David de Gea could have saved it.
Stunned by the equalizer, JDT decided to inject more pace as Nazrin Nawi, who replaced Azinee Taib on the left wing saw his shot flew just above the crossbar a minute later.
Immediately, fan-favourite Pereyra Diaz scored from five yards out to regain the lead for Southern Tigers after S. Kunanlan crossed one in on the 13th minute. The Boys of Straits beat their drums loud and sang their hearts out after he scored his third goal of the season.
Juan Lucero hit a ferocious strike from outside the box on the 25th minute, which did not test Vanlal Hruala at all. A couple of minutes later, Brazilian centre-back Marcos Antonio made it three for Johor DT from a Safiq Rahim corner. His attempt seemed to come off his defensive partner Aidil Zafuan before crossing the line, but it was announced as Marcos’ goal.
Juan Lucero could have increased the AFC Cup champions’ lead but he failed to convert an open header, right before mis-controlling Kunanlan’s cross a minute later.
Three minutes after the break, Safiq Rahim doubled his 2016 AFC Cup tally after calmly placing the ball past Vanlal Hruala, who could not do anything to stop him from scoring. The Harimau Malaysia captain reeled in delight after he was assisted by Pereyra Diaz.
Safiq Rahim finally completed his hattrick on the 63rd minute after yet another assist by Pereyra Diaz. The duo are proving time after time how great of an understanding they have.
Juan Martin Lucero finally broke his duck by scoring the sixth and seventh goal of the game in quick succession to put a smile on Tunku Ismail Idris’ face, who was in the stands.
Safiq Rahim provided his fourth assist of the match after delivering in a free kick for Aidil Zafuan to head it in past Vanlan Hruala on the verge of full time.
The referee blew the full time whistle to indicate all three points for The Southern Tigers.
Safiq Rahim will be happy to take home the the match ball.
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