DIFFICULT ASIAN BARRIER
Darul Ta’zim’s top guns fail to deliver
MONEY cannot buy success in Asian-level football as big spenders Darul Ta’zim found out when they were ousted in the AFC Cup zonal semi-finals by Ceres Negros of the Philippines on Wednesday.
Fernando Rodriguez’s goal from the penalty spot three minutes into stoppage time saw Ceres winning the return leg 2-1 in Bacolod City to qualify on away goals following a 4-4 aggregate finish.
Goalkeeper Farizal Marlias was sent off for charging at Ceres players and pushing the referee after Rodriguez had scored from the spot.
Many fans had expected Darul Ta’zim to go far in Asia’s secondtier club tournament as the club had spent a lot on recruiting quality local and foreign players.
Darul Ta’zim’s defeat put them in a tight spot in earning a ticket for the 2019 and 2020 AFC Champions League competition.
The former champions have nothing to look forward for except the Super League, where they must win it to play in Asia next season.
Ceres were the more dominant side on Wednesday with 62.2 per cent possession. They scored two goals from four attempts on target. The Filipino side also completed 394 passes compared to Darul Ta’zim’s 211.
Despite the defeat, Darul Ta’zim coach Benjamin Mora praised his players for working hard in the match.
“We attacked and defended well… the players played like warriors. Ceres, however, got their tactics right. It is sad to lose when you are minutes away from a victory,” said Mora in Bacolod City on Wednesday.
“We are a collective team. We do not put mistakes and achievements on one player. Everyone played their part.
“Frankly, it hurts a lot to lose. We have invested a lot of money into the team in hope of doing well in Asian-level competitions.”
When asked about the controversial penalty awarded to Ceres, Mora was careful in responding to the question.
“I think nothing... it was a penalty because the referee felt it was,” the Mexican added.
Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic said the success over Darul Ta’zim is a huge victory for Filipino football.
“We have defeated one of the best clubs in this region. We were never afraid of them.
“We followed a game plan and played well in both legs to upset the form book.
“We controlled the first half but we did not play too well after the breather. I think the referee made the right decision by awarding the penalty kick. We deserved it,” said the Serbian.