Johor DT were left frustrated at the end of the first leg of their AFC Cup bout against South China FC as Nikola Komazec’s stoppage time goal denied JDT a crucial away win.
Mario Gomez was looking for a happy return to his hunting ground and he produced a strong starting eleven for the tie, featuring Safiq Rahim, Juan Martin Lucero and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Predictably, they dominated the proceedings in the first half, with the exception of several dangerous South China attacks, largely initiated by Komazec, Mahama Awal as well as ex-Sarawak hitman Ryan Griffiths.
Their domination eventually resulted in them breaking the deadlock on the 21st minute mark, courtesy of Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s poacher effort. The goal bought them some breathing space, and forced South China to up their tempo and bring the game towards Mario Gomez’s troops.
But it wasn’t until after the break that the home side began to pose a real threat on JDT’s goal. Izham Tarmizi was forced to make several excellent saves in the first 10 minutes of the second half, especially the attempts made by Komazec.
Gomez eventually brought on Amri Yahya on the 64th minute, hoping to push for a second goal to take some pressure off their shoulders. But a relentless South China side were hellbent on pushing for the equalizer.
Thanks to Izham and resolute defending from Marcos Antonio and Co, JDT held on to their slender lead, frustrating the home crowd, by the minute. But just when they were required to hold their fort for one final time, Komazec found the back of the net in injury time, to make it 1-1 and leave JDT frustrated at the end of their first leg clash.
The second leg will take place at the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium on 20 September, with kick-off slated for 8.45PM
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