JDT denied Champions League football by Muang Thong United

Photo: Official Muang Thong United website mtutd.tv

Johor Darul Takzim FC (JDT) eliminated by Muang Thong United 3-0 on penalty shoot-out after battling for 120 minutes in the second round of AFC Champions League play-off at SCG Stadium, Nonthaburi, Thailand yesterday.

Both sides struggled to create chances early in the first half as they unable to break through the defence.

However, as the game progressed in the 30th minute, Muang Thong managed to find the space through the JDT defence, especially through the flank, but left undone by a weak finishing.

JDT have considerable amount of chances as well, especially a piledriver from Mahalli Jasuli, but his shot missed only inches away.

The game changed completely in the second half as both team have a wide number of chances to score, Muangthong through Negrao, Cleiton and Sarach Yooyen, while JDT have chances through Diaz and Safiq Rahim but all of them have blown their chances away, forcing the game to go through extra time. The only bright thing is Farizal Marlias, who has been busy, saving numerous shot from Muangthong players, becoming a real saviour for his team.

As the extra time went on, the game begin to slow down, with majority of the players low on stamina, cramped and exhausted.

Despite fighting through the end, trying to get the golden goal, they have to settle it with a penalty shoot-out.

JDT's confidence continue to rise, as they did not expect to hang on to Muangthong until the end of extra time and they still have a chance to qualify for the third round. The dream has yet to over.

But it's all starting to go wrong when Diaz, one of the most revered player by JDT fans, kicked the ball to the left but was saved by Kawin.

As Muangthong scored the first goal, Marcos Antonio focused on equalising the goal for his team. But his shot was saved, again by Kawin.

The pressure is high among JDT players as Muangthong scored again to make it 2-0. It's all up to Hariss Harun to change the tides.

His shot, was well saved, again by the mighty Kawin. Three times in a row. Muangthong United have no problem scoring the third, and with that, JDT were eliminated.

While it's all over for JDT in AFC CL this year, they will return in AFC Cup, but this time as a defending champions and their quest this time is to defend the trophy.