Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Johor Bahru: Newly-crowned Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim will look to continue their perfect home record in all competitions when they host Hong Kong’s South China in the first leg of the AFC Cup quarter-finals at Stadium Tan Sri Dato' Haji Yunos on Tuesday.
Johor claimed the domestic title on Saturday despite a 2-1 defeat by Felda United, as fellow AFC Cup quarter-finalists Pahang FA also suffered defeat, with Mario Gomez’s side sealing a two-point cushion at the top of the table.
But now Gomez’s Johor must quickly turn their attentions to the continental stage having earlier won Group F before beating Myanmar’s Ayeyawady United at home in the last 16 in May.
“Larkin Stadium (Stadium Tan Sri Dato' Haji Yunos) is our fortress and we have never lost at home,” said Johor assistant coach Ismail Ibrahim, with Gomez unable to attend the pre-match press conference due to illness.
"We will want to keep the run going after we reach the quarter-finals in our first time participating in the AFC Cup.”
Johor have added Leandro Velazquez to their squad, with the Argentinean striker set to partner compatriot Luciano Figueroa in attack.
“Leandro has been training hard and is fitting in well with the rest of the squad,” added Ibrahim after Velazquez did not feature for Johor in the Malaysia Super League.
“He complements Luciano going forward and completes a formidable attacking set-up with Safiq Rahim pulling the strings in midfield.”
The match is a swift reunion for Johor coach Gomez, who was in charge of South China until April.
“Mario knows the strengths and weaknesses of South China and will be using this knowledge to attempt something different tactically,” added Ibrahim.
Brazilian Casemiro Mior has replaced Gomez in the South China dugout, although the Brazilian will be unable to call upon Australian striker Daniel McBreen after the AFC Cup’s leading scorer with eight goals left the club at the end of the Hong Kong Premier League season.
Group G winners South China, though, have drafted in Australian forward Karpeh Boima to bolster their attack as Mior’s side seek to maintain their unbeaten record in the AFC Cup this season having recorded a 2-0 win over India’s JSW Bengaluru in the Round of 16.
“Mario knows many players in my team and is aware who the good ones are,” said South China coach Mior ahead of South China’s first competitive match since the end of May.
“Johor have an experienced side and play good football in their home ground.
“Daniel was very important to us, but his contract is finished. We have a strong striker in Boima who can be good with the presence of experienced players in Cristian Mora and Chan Siu Ki.”
Photo: WSG