AFC CUP: JOHOR DT 3 - SOUTH CHINA 1
JDT qualify into semifinal with 4-2 aggregate.
Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) created history after becoming the first Malaysian team to qualify the AFC Cup semi-finals after defeating South China 3-1 in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The Southern Tigers survived with 10 players after the dismissal of striker Luciano Figueroa to record a 4-2 aggregate win in the quarter-final, second leg match.
The Malaysia Super League Champions took the lead in the 26th minute after Mahalli Jasuli opened the scoring. However, South China was quick to respond when Mahama Awal scored from close range for the equalizer. As the aggregate score tied at 2-2, JDT doubled their effort. Safee Sali reclaimed JDT's advantage when he scored into an unguarded net after South China goalkeeper Christian Mora failed to clear Figueroa powerful cross.
Figueroa was given a straight red card in the 36th minute by Qatari referee Fahad Al-Marri as he raised his elbow while challenging a high ball against Cheung Chi Yeung. Safee was left alone as centre forward after the dismissal. The national striker was very alert as he took advantage of a howler by Mora to give JDT a comfortable 3-1 lead before the break.
South China had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 88th minute, but Malisic failed to score from the penalty spot. It was an amazing break through by the Malaysian side. JDT will have to face either Al-Jaish (Syria) or defending champions, Al-Qadsia (Kuwait) in their historical semifinal.
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