JOHOR BARU: Darul Ta’zim who defended their Super League title this season will be having a tough task ahead in the AFC Cup after only managing a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong side South China in their quarter-final first leg match at their home turf, the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin here tonight.
They will play their second leg in Hong Kong on Sept 15.
In tonight’s action, JDT wasted no time towards finding an early goal and had numerous chances but were let down by poor finishing.
The first half saw both teams going to the rest room empty-handed.
On resumption, JDT continued to pile on the pressure which finally bore results when they were awarded a penalty by Omani referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Said Al Kaf in the 49th minute after a cross by S. Kunanlan was handled by South China defender Mensah Moses in the box.
JDT’s Argentinian import Luciano Figueroa made no mistake.
South China then regrouped and went on the offensive and were duly rewarded in the 63rd minute when Awal Mahama fired home a piledriver pass JDT keeper Izham Tarmizi Roslan after a 1-2 with Chan Siu Ki.
Thereafter both teams tried in earnest to get the winning goal with JDT being the “more earnest” but the scoreline stood till the final whistle.
FA of Johor patron Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and wife Che Puan Khaleeda Bustamam were present to give moral support to the homesters.
Another Malaysian representative, Pahang, the runners-up in the Super League this season, will be meeting Tajikistan side FC Istiklol away today and will play the home leg on Sept 16 in Kuantan, Pahang. --Bernama