JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) collected their first point after holding South Korea’s Gyeongnam FC to a 1-1 draw in their second Group E match in the Asian Champions League (ACL) 2019 here on Tuesday.
Kwak Taehwi put Gyeongnam ahead in the 52nd minute before JDT equalised through a Diogo Luis Santo spot kick in the 66th minute.
JDT, who lost their opening match 1-2 to Japan’s Kashima Antlers on March 5, stayed at the bottom of the four-team Group E standings with one point while Gyeongnam are third with two points.
Kashima, who drew 2-2 with Shandong Luneng of China today, top the group with four points while Shandong are second with two points from two draws.
At the Tan Sri Hassan Yunus Stadium today, JDT were very much in control in the first half, but Gyeongnam goalkeeper Lee Bum Soo was in his element to deny the hosts.
Gyeongnam then stunned the home fans by taking the lead with a Taehwi header in the 52nd minute.
JDT needed a penalty from Luis Santo to share the spoils after referee Mohanad Qasim Eesee Sarray blew for handball by Song Juhun in the box.
JDT’s next match will be against Shandong at the Jinan Olympics Sports Centre Stadium on April 9. – Bernama
