Johor DT’s 100% record in the AFC Cup continued as they clinched a 3-0 win over Lao Toyota FC, thought the victory was a lot more complicated than the score line suggests.
Mario Gomez fulfilled his promise to ring the changes, with the likes of Safee Sali and Amri Yahya being handed a spot in the starting eleven, allowing Safiq Rahim and Jorge Diaz to start from the bench.
But after a drabby first half, Gomez eventually opted to throw Safiq into the game, 10 minutes into the second half. And he made an instant impact.
He scored an impeccable spot kick on the 61st minute of the game, to put JDT 1-0 ahead. Merely 12 minutes later, the playmaker executed a panenka to make it 2-0 on the night, which placed JDT on the driving seats.
There was more to him than the two goals, though. Safiq’s sheer composure on the ball allowed his teammates to push forward with more conviction and when Kunanlan was sent off, he seamlessly continued to lead the team on the pitch, which eventually allowed them to seal a late third goal through Amri Yahyah.
After tonight’s match, Safiq now has 7 goals in 3 AFC Cup games, which is a fantastic return for a midfielder. If there’s any concern for Mario Gomez, it’s his side’s over-dependence on Safiq Rahim, as a midfield without him looked severely sub-par, compared to a midfield with him in it.
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