Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) can now forget about advancing to the last-16 of the Asian Champions League (ACL) after losing to Pohang Steelers in yesterday’s Group G match in Bangkok.
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The South Korean side won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Lee Seung Mo (33rd minute) and Kang Sang Woo (37th).
It was JDT’s third defeat in the ACL. They remain third with three points from four games, while Pohang are second on nine.
Last week, Pohang had thrashed JDT 4-1 in the first group match between both teams.
Yesterday, the Koreans were aggressive throughout the match.
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JDT received further blow when their Australian defender Shane Lowry received his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning that he will have to serve a one-match suspension when the reigning Super League champions face Japan’s Nagoya Grampus on Sunday.
The Southern Tigers came close to scoring a goal in the 16th minute. However, Safawi Rasid’s free-kick could only rattle the Pohang post.
Seung-Mo easily converted Goh Young Jun’s assist in the 33rd minute for Pohang’s opening goal.
Pohang extended their lead four minutes later through Sang Woo, who first outpaced JDT defender Matthew Davies before flicking the ball over goalkeeper Farizal Marlias.