ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) defeated South Korean giants, Ulsan Hyundai FC 2-1 in their fourth Group I action of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (AFC) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here, last night.
The victory saw the Southern Tigers exact sweet revenge against Hong Myung Bo’s men to whom they lost 1-3 at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, South Korea on Oct 24.
Both teams played good attacking football in the first half, but JDT drew first blood in the 44th minute through Heberty De Andrade’s shot from outside the penalty box and taking the lead into the break.
Two-time AFC champions Ulsan Hyundai restored parity in the 69th minute when Ataru Esaka scored from a Valeri Qazaishvili cross.
But it was Muhammad Akhyar Rashid who emerged as the hero when he scored in 86th minute, courtesy of a cross from Arif Aiman Hanapi.
JDT are currently third in Group I with six points, tied with Ulsan Hyundai who are only ahead on goal difference.
The group is led by Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale with 12 points, while Thai club BG Pathum United sit at the bottom without any points.
AFCL Champions’ League Group I standings after last night’s match:
| P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 12 |
| Ulsan Hyundai (KOR) | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| Johor DT (MAS) | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| BG Pathum United (THA) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 15 | 0 |
– BERNAMA
