JDT keep knockout hopes alive thanks to Liverpool inspiration
JOHOR BARU: Liverpool’s epic win inspired Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to edge defending champions Kashima Antlers 1-0 in the AFC Champions League.
The unexpected victory in Larkin also rekindled their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Despite the win, JDT remained bottom of Group E with four points but they still have a mathematical chance of advancing to the last 16.
China’s Shandong Luneng top the table with 11 points, Kashima are second with seven points and Gyeongnam of South Korea are third with five points.
The Super League champions will qualify if they win their final match against Gyeongnam and Shandong beat Kashima on May 22.
JDT coach Benjamin Mora said he used Liverpool’s shock win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-final to inspire his men on Wednesday.
“I told the boys that Liverpool turned their fortunes around despite being in the worst possible situation.
“I also told them that if the Reds can do it, why can’t we? It’s all about believing in ourselves.”
Liverpool entered the final after they overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate at Anfield.
Mora also praised his young goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi, who made his third start in the competition ahead of first-choice custodian Farizal Marlias.
“He did not play much this season but he certainly made a difference in the match. Syafiq (Ahmad) also did a great job upfront even though he’s not a natural striker. He showed us that without Diogo we can still get the job done.”
Diogo was serving a one-match suspension.
Match winner Syafiq stunned the Japanese in the 69th minute for the Southern Tigers’ first win in the tournament.
“I took a gamble which paid off. I saw two Kashima defenders closing down on me and I had to think fast,” said the Kedahan.
“I decided to take them on. I took one, two steps to get past them.
“The angle was tight but I gave it a shot and thankfully the ball went in.”