JDT READY TO FACE ASIA’S BIG GUNS
Mora’s men eye first win in ACL
KASHIMA Antlers may look imposing, being the top club in Asia but this has not deterred Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) from targeting a surprise result against the Japanese in the AFC Champions League (ACL).
JDT, playing at Larkin today, are out for their first win in the ACL.
The Southern Tigers have only one point from four matches and their chances of reaching the ACL knockout stage are really slim.
Not only do they have to beat Kashima, and Gyeongnam FC in their final Group E match, JDT also need to rely on other results going their way.
Just like their previous home match against Shandong Luneng (JDT lost 1-0), the Kashima match came after a crunch Super League clash against Pahang.
But unlike against Chinese Super League side, Shandong where JDT had only three days to prepare for, this time around, they have a week to get armed for the showdown against the Japanese side.
This has given JDT coach Benjamin Mora the chance to select a stronger starting line-up.
Syafiq Ahmad, Syamer Kutty Abba and Fadhli Shas were used against Shandong but for today, Mora will be able to rely on more familiar faces Safawi Rasid, Gonzalo Cabrera and Mauricio dos Santos.
“Mathematically, we still have a chance to advance if we win our final two matches,” said Mora yesterday,
“But it is not an easy task because Kashima are a good team, and I’m sure Shandong won’t lose both of their matches.
“We do not want to think about the next stage yet. Instead we will plan for the right tactics to match Kashima.”
The narrow loss at Larkin to Shandong was not a true reflection of JDT’s strength because different set of players were used.
Though JDT are newcomers to Asia’s premier club competition, they have shown that they are capable of matching the big guns.
Diogo Luis Santo (two goals) and Safawi have found the back of the net in the ACL, leaving Kashima coach Go Oiwa well aware of the danger from the duo.
“We have to be beware of JDT who have dangerous players.
“One issue which we have to manage is the heat. Our players have complained of the weather.”
With Kashima having failed to win on the road against Shandong and Gyeongnam, JDT will hope to capitalise on their home advantage.
JDT’s maiden ACL adventure may come to a premature end in the group stage but the Super League champions could still have a night to remember at Larkin if they beat the champions of Asia.