Safiq Rahim masterclass key to JDT success

JDT were outclassed in their failed attempt to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League by former Asian champions Gamba Osaka, but against the Cambodians, Benjamin Mora’s team were always in control.

But while it was Guerra who helped JDT on their way to a winning start to the 2017 AFC Cup as he swept the ball into the top corner of Sou Yaty’s goal, it was midfielder Safiq Rahim (pictured left) who was once again at the heart of everything positive for the Malaysian champions.

Safiq’s presence in midfield allowed JDT to dictate the game and, over the course of the 90 minutes, he bordered on imperious against a Beoungket side who were unable to handle the range and accuracy of his passing.

A 94.3 percent completion rate from 122 attempted passes is impressive in itself, but that he was almost as accurate when inside the Cambodian side’s half – with a completion rate of 89.4 percent – highlights that Safiq’s job was being done where and when it mattered.

It helped that JDT were rarely under pressure, with Muhammad Nazmi’s second – which saw him slide the ball into the bottom corner after a searing run down the left by S. Kunanlan – for his team after 11 minutes ensuring Mora’s team could relax and take control of the tie in front of their own fans.

That allowed Safiq and his team mates the luxury of being in charge for the remaining 79 minutes, and with a possession rate of almost 81 percent throughout the game, JDT’s dominance was complete.

With such a gap between the teams and JDT’s 19 attempts at goal, Mora would have been disappointed his team was unable to further press home their advantage, but in the dying minutes Safiq rounded out his performance with his side’s third goal, the captain completing a showing worthy of his stature within the team by heading home from close range.

Photo: Lagardère Sports

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But while it was Guerra who helped JDT on their way to a winning start to the 2017 AFC Cup as he swept the ball into the top corner of Sou Yaty\u2019s goal, it was midfielder Safiq Rahim (pictured left)\u00a0who was once again at the heart of everything positive for the Malaysian champions.

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Safiq\u2019s presence in midfield allowed JDT to dictate the game and, over the course of the 90 minutes, he bordered on imperious against a Beoungket side who were unable to handle the range and accuracy of his passing.

A 94.3 percent completion rate from 122 attempted passes is impressive in itself, but that he was almost as accurate when inside the Cambodian side\u2019s half \u2013 with a completion rate of 89.4 percent \u2013 highlights that Safiq\u2019s job was being done where and when it mattered.

It helped that JDT were rarely under pressure, with Muhammad Nazmi\u2019s second \u2013 which saw him slide the ball into the bottom corner after a searing run down the left by S. Kunanlan \u2013 for his team after 11 minutes ensuring Mora\u2019s team could relax and take control of the tie in front of their own fans.

That allowed Safiq and his team mates the luxury of being in charge for the remaining 79 minutes, and with a possession rate of almost 81 percent throughout the game, JDT\u2019s dominance was complete.

With such a gap between the teams and JDT\u2019s 19 attempts at goal, Mora would have been disappointed his team was unable to further press home their advantage, but in the dying minutes Safiq rounded out his performance with his side\u2019s third goal, the captain completing a showing worthy of his stature within the team by heading home from close range.

Photo: Lagard\u00e8re Sports

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