KUALA LUMPUR: Regulations over foreign players and a tactical decision played roles in Kuala Lumpur City's advance to the AFC Cup Asean zonal final last night.
KL City coach Bojan Hodak said his decision to drop Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza paid off as his replacement, Azri Ghani turned hero, keeping out Bui Duy Thuong's attempt during the penalty shootout with Vietnam's Viettel.
The City Boys won 6-5 on penalties after both teams were deadlocked at 0-0 after 120 minutes at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.
"Azri started because we can list only four foreigners for the match. I felt we needed foreign players for outfield positions, so I picked him and I knew he would do well," said Hodak.
"I knew Azri from my time with the Malaysian Under-19 team. He has the quality and talent. He saved penalties in shootouts before."
In the shootout, KL City's second kicker Irfan Zakaria blasted the ball high while Viettel's fourth kicker Tran Danh Trung hit the crossbar.
It was tough luck for Viettel who dominated possession and had a total of 25 shots – five times more than KL's.
The City Boys will meet Indonesian club PSM Makassar in the Asean zonal final at KLFA Stadium on Aug 24.