Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim strolled into the knockout stage of the 2016 AFC Cup with a 4-1 away win at Lao Toyota FC at the New Laos National Stadium on Wednesday evening.

It wasn't quite as smooth as it sounds for the holders, who fell behind in the first half after a lacklustre performance in this Group H clash. JDT moved up a gear after the break, however, with four well-taken goals to move into the next round with two games remaining.

The Malaysians started with star players such as captain Safiq Rahim on the bench. Coach Mario Gomez was perhaps regretting the decision as the hosts took the lead eight minutes before the break.

It was no more than the Laos team deserved after being the best team for the first 45 minutes. The right foot of Phatthana Syvilay swept home a free-kick from just outside the area with stand-in goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi rooted to the spot.

Prior to that the best chances for the Malaysians had fallen to Safee Sali whose shot on the turn early in the game had Vatthana Kaoduangdeth stretching to tip the ball over the bar.

Almost immediately after the break, Amri Yahyah was brought down in the area and Safee stepped up to calmly slot the spot kick home. The goal breathed life into the competition's champions and for the first time in the match, there was some fluency about JDT's attacking play.

The best move of the match came just before the hour as Safee strode free of the Lao defence. But, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the former Selangor star blasted over from the edge of the area.

Shortly after, Jorge Pereyra Diaz had a shot blocked but the holders were ahead with 25 minutes remaining thanks to Fadhli Shas who fired home from close range.

The wasteful Safee had a chance to put the result almost beyond doubt with 20 minutes remaining but once again, shot tamely when in a good position.

Amri Yahyah showed his teammate how it should be done with 12 minutes remaining, driving in a fierce shot from the edge of the area.

It was an emphatic way to take the three points and book a place in the last 16.

There was still time, however, for Diaz to add a little extra gloss with a fourth, though the scoreline was cruel on the hosts.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by John Duerden

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