JDT’s Bergson spot-on against Guangzhou in AFC Champions League match

ISKANDAR PUTERI − Bergson Da Silva scored twice from the spot to steer Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to a 2-0 win over Guangzhou FC in the return leg of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Group I tie at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here last night.

With both teams going on the offensive right from the first whistle, it was JDT who shot ahead when they were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute when Bergson was fouled by Feng Yifan.

Bergson picked himself up and slotted home from the spot to take a 1-0 lead over the eight-time China Super League champions.

JDT had a good chance to add a second goal in the 33rd minute when Bergson’s powerful drive was palmed away by Guangzhou goalkeeper Zhang Jihao.

Guangzhou − under the guidance of coach Pan Yong He − seemed to struggle to find their rhythm and were pegged back by an attacking-minded JDT. 

But it wasn’t until a minute before the final whistle that coach Benjamin Mora’s men managed to make it 2-0 when they were again awarded a penalty kick after Ramadhan Saifullah was fouled by Shadeer Sihakejiang. 

Bergson duly converted from the spot.

Following the win, JDT find themselves in second spot in the four-team standings with ten points. Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea top the standings − also with ten points but with a better goal difference. 

Kawasaki Frontale dropped to third spot with eight points followed by Guangzhou with no points to show for.

Earlier yesterday, Ulsan Hyundai notched their third win in five outings when they edged Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 at the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin. – Bernama, April 28, 2022