Second half goals from Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali and Shakir Shaari gave Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) a 3-0 win over Bengaluru FC at Larkin Stadium on Wednesday evening to ensure that the 2015 AFC Cup champions ended the group stage of the 2016 version with a perfect record of six wins from six.

Captain Safiq, introduced as second half substitute, opened the scoring with 20 minutes remaining to record his seventh goal of the tournament so far.

The midfielder then turned provider for Safee to score, ensuring a comfortable final few minutes for the Malaysian hosts.

Both teams had already qualified for the second round, making this a low-key and slow-paced affair.

JDT named what was largely a second-string team, with more than an eye on Saturday's FA Cup final against PKNS.

The Indian champions started brightly and took the game to their illustrious hosts. But it was the men in blue who should have taken the lead after 20 minutes.

Nazrin Nawi was in a great position in the penalty area as he was found unmarked. Yet, with plenty of the goal to aim at, he pulled his first-time shot just wide.

Eight minutes before half-time, the holders came closer. Junior Eldstal headed his team's first corner against the post only for Bengaluru goalkeeper Amrinder Singh to gather.

Safee Sali scored a last-minute winner in last weekend's Malaysia Super League win over Penang but the former international star missed the best chance of the game 10 minutes into the second half. A ball into the area bounced off a Bengaluru defender to leave the striker free from six yards out. However, he shot against the crossbar with only the keeper to beat.

Finally, the deadlock was broken at the 70th minute mark. Safiq had been on the pitch for just a few minutes when his low shot from outside the area was deflected into the net by the unfortunate John Johnson.

Captain Marvel then drew a fine save from the goalkeeper after good work from Chanturu before Safee sealed win number six with 13 minutes remaining. A smart pass from Safiq outside the area fed the striker, who made no mistake with a first-time shot.

The Indians pushed forward in an attempt to get back into the game. But, in the last minute, JDT were gifted a penalty as Rino caught Chanturu. Shakir duty slammed the spot kick into the net.

The Malaysians will host Kaya FC of the Philippines in the Round of 16 on May 25, the same day that Bengaluru travel to Hong Kong to take on Kitchee.

Johor Darul Ta'zim: Farizal, Gary, Fazly, Shakir, Amri Yahyah (Safiq 58'), Safee, Mahali (Akram 81'), Nazrin (Chanturu 63'), Junior Eldstal, Amer, Fadhli

Bengaluru FC: Amrinder, Osano, Johnson (Salam 88'), Kim SY, Collins, Chhetri (Seminlen 73') , Thoi, Rino (Lalhlimpuia 73') , Lyngdoh, Udanta, Chhuantea

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by John Duerden

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