Gomez: JDT’s loss due to lack of fighting spirit

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Mario Gomez has blamed his team’s lack of fighting spirit for coming a cropper at the hands of India’s Bengaluru in their AFC Cup title defence.

The Southern Tigers were knocked out 4-2 on aggregate following their 3-1 loss to Bengaluru in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.

JDT took the early lead through skipper Safiq Rahim (11th minute) but Bengaluru fought back with goals from Sunil Chhetri (41st and 67th) and Spaniard Juan Antonio (67th) to knock out the defending champions.

Bengaluru will meet Iraqi side Air Force Club in the AFC Cup final on Nov 5.

Gomez was disappointed with his players’ lapses in concentration against Bengaluru, whom they had beaten twice in the AFC Cup group stages this year.

“When you are in the semi-finals, you need to fight and show character and concentration,” said the 59-year-old coach.

“We were winning 1-0, but we lost concentration in defending free-kicks and corners, so we lost the game.”

JDT’s back was against the wall in the second leg of the semi-finals after Bengaluru scored the crucial away goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Johor Baru on Sept 28.

JDT also missed three key forwards – Jorge Diaz, Juan Lucero and Mohd Amri Yahyah – who were suspended for the match.

“I’m proud of my players who fought all the way, but going into the match without three key strikers was a real setback. When we were leading, Bengaluru didn’t lose patience. They showed character to come back and win. It’s a good lesson for our players,” said Gomez.