KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) revived their hopes of qualifying for the Asian Champions League (ACL) second round after edging Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 in a Group I match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.
Substitute Akhyar Rashid emerged as the hero for the Southern Tigers in netting the winner in the 87th minute after Ulsan's Ataru Esaka's 69th minute goal cancelled out Heberty de Andrade's opener (44th).
JDT now have six points from four matches and are third below Ulsan who also have six points, based on head-to-head goals scored. Japan's Kawasaki Frontale top the group with 12 points while Thailand's BG Pathum United have yet to break their duck.
Coach Esteban Solari's men started their match brightly with an attacking game, but they were denied by the woodwork and Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon Woo's heroics.
Heberty finally broke the deadlock with his left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner, thanks to Afiq Fazail's assist.
The South Korean side doubled their effort in the second half for the equaliser, and Esaka pounced on Valeri Qazaishvili's through ball to beat JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
Midfielder Akhyar, who came in for Oscar Arribas in the 85th minute, needed only two minutes to make his mark as he netted the winner following Arif Aiman Hanapi's assist.
Both JDT and Ulsan pushed hard for goals, but both sides' goalkeepers pulled off saves after saves, and the match ended with a credible win for JDT.