Johor Darul Ta'zim vs Bengaluru FC, AFC Cup Semifinal - Player Ratings
In a fairly entertaining AFC CUP semfinal first leg, Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim and India's Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 draw. It was a game that picked up pace as it went on. In fairness, the Tigers will be disappointed they couldn't come away with the win at their home fortress of Larkin Stadium.
With the away goal, Bengaluru FC take a slender advantage for the return leg and Albert Roca's men will hope to make history on October 19th and become the first Indian team to reach the AFC Cup finals!
Johor Darul Ta'zim
Izham Tarmizi – 6/10
Was under pressure with BFC's early pressing game, including a shanked clearnace in the 6th minute, but settled in well. In all honesty, he had very little to do all game, apart from picking the ball up from the back of the net after Lyngdoh's screamer.
Azrif Nasrulhaq – 8/10
The right back was solid in challenge, and tireless in his running. He put in a lot of good crosses, especially after JDT started swarming forward from the 15th minute on. He won a lot of fifty fifty challenges down the wing, one of which left Rino Anto in a crumpled heap.
Marcos Antonio – 7.5/10
The imposing Brazilian centre-back was imperious throughout. He kept Chettri and Vineeth quiet all game and put in a couple of strong challenges. Couldn't close Lyngdoh quickly enough for the BFC goal. A booking took some shine off an otherwise impressive performance.
Aidil Zafuan – 7.5/10
Like his defensive partner, Zafuan put in plenty of strong challenges including a good sliding tackle in the 10th minute that stopped a threatening BFC attack. Had a good header slighlty off target on the 20th minute. He landed awkwardly on the 65th minute after a rugged challenge with Vineeth but ran it off.
Hariss Harun – 6/10
Harun had a rather quiet game, and with his opposite number sticking to his defensive side rather than attacking like Anto on the other flank, and with Alwyn George strangely subdued. Put in a couple of good crosses but nothing much came off it.
Safiq Rahim – 8/10 (off 83')
The JDT captain was brilliant throughout, and bossed the midfield throughout. He stuck to Alvaro Rubio with dogged determination. He had a great header on goal in the 31st minute that was tipped over by Amrinder. His corner delivery was exceptional, and it was his inswinging corner in the 52nd minute that led to JDT's goal.
Azammuddin Akil – 7/10 (off 75')
The right winger was excellent throughout and on a very humid evening, he put in plenty of good runs and dangerous crosses. He kept Anto honest throughout with his mazy dribbling and even tried a couple of ambitious volleys.
Pereyra Diaz – 8/10
The Argentinian – creative hub of the JDT team – was on his game tonight and created a number of chances. He will however rue a great chance that he missed on the 47th goal when his twinkling feet opened up some space in the BFC box. He scored the goal five minutes later though, with a fairly simple close range header where he outjumped the entire BFC backline. He was booked for a rather idiotic foul late in the game when he simply ran into Juanan. If he is on his A-game in the Kanteerava later in October, BFC will have a lot of trouble.
Fazly Mazlan – 6/10
The midfielder started the game horriby, a woefully shanked clearance almost gifting BFC with a golden chance in the opening few minutes of the game. Was instruemental in JDT setting the tempo for the match, especially in the latter parts of the first half.
Martin Lucero – 8/10
Lucero had an all-action game and was everywhere across the JDT attacking third. The Argentine had a couple of shots that were well saved, and had a header saved from point-blank range by the inform Amrinder. Played a very physical game and got booked for a smack to Johnson's face.
Azinee Taib – 7/10 (off 69')
The forward missed a clear chance on the 36th minute, but did not do much of note for the remainder of the match. Tried all game, but was kept quiet ably by Ranjan and co.
Substitutes
69' Suppiah Chanturu – 6/10
The winger made an instant impact with a hefty tackle on Rino Anto, and almost found himself the hero when his outstretched legs barely missed a teasing Azrif cross.
75' Amri Yahah – 4/10
The midfielder who has dyed his hair JDT blue got a yellow with his first involvement. Added some zest to the middle of the park, but didn't do much of note.
83' Amirul Hadi Zainal – 5/10
Came on very late, and had too little time to make an impact. Had a couple of mazy runs down the right, and won a couple of corners.