Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Johor Baru: Coach Mario Gomez wants AFC Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim to maintain their perfect record as they prepare to face off against India’s JSW Bengaluru in their final Group H encounter on Wednesday.
The Malaysia Super League champions have claimed five successive victories in the continental competition and secured their progression to the last 16 as group winners with a game to spare after seeing off Myanmar’s Ayeyawady United 2-1 two weeks ago.
But Johor - the only team in the tournament still boasting a 100% record - are likely to face strong opposition from Bengaluru, who arrive at Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Yunos on the back of three straight wins having already qualified as runners-up.
“We are aiming to finish the group stage with a perfect record on 18 points so we will be going for the win,” said Gomez, whose side defeated Bengaluru 1-0 in the reverse fixture in March.
“The team that played against Ayeyawady will also feature tomorrow; I want to focus only on this game and I am confident whoever will play will perform as well as my regulars.”
In-form Bengaluru, meanwhile, lost their opening two Group H matches before responding with a trio of victories as they advanced to the last 16 for the second successive year.
“We have looked at the form of Johor and getting a draw at their place will be as positive a result as a win,” said assistant coach Matthew Holland, whose side confirmed their progression with a game to spare after a 2-1 victory over Lao Toyota FC at the end of April.
“We have travelled with eight under-23 players to give them exposure of playing against the best team in Malaysia.”
Wednesday’s other Group H encounter pits Lao Toyota against Ayeyawady in a battle for third place in the standings.
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Lao Toyota began their group campaign with their first ever victory in the continental tournament against Bengaluru, but have followed that up with four successive defeats.
“I will play some new faces to give them the experience of playing at a higher level,” said Lao Toyota coach Valakone Phomphakdy,
“Nothing much will changes in our line-up from the last game apart from our suspended defender [Saynakkhonevieng Phommapanya]."
Ayeyawady currently sit above their opponents by virtue of a superior head-to-head record and will finish third in the standings if they avoid defeat.
“We hope to win the game, while a draw would be the least we want,” said Ayeyawady coach U Kyaw Linh, whose side claimed a 4-2 win over their opponents in the first meeting between the sides.
“But Laotian football is improving and it’s not as easy a game as in the past; our opponents have good balance in every position.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports