Johor Darul Ta’Zim, a club from Malaysia endured their first loss after losing to Gwangju FC, a club from Korea Republic scoring 1-3 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 League Stage, East Zone at Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin.
Gwangju took control of the match early, racing to a two-goal lead within the first six minutes. Albanian international Jasir Asani, continuing his fine form with his third consecutive game scoring, opened the floodgates in the third minute. Receiving a cross-field pass from Oh Su-heong, Asani expertly curled a shot past JDT goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Just three minutes later, Asani struck again, this time capitalizing on a mistake by Feroz Baharudin, stealing the ball near the halfway line and coolly finishing past Zubiaurre to double Gwangju’s lead.
Despite the early setback, JDT began to recover, with Arif Aiman testing Gwangju goalkeeper Kim Kyeong-min with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 12th minute. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Feroz redeemed himself, rising unmarked to head in a Juan Muniz corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
JDT nearly equalized four minutes before halftime, with another corner kick routine leading to Oscar Arribas narrowly missing the target with a curling shot just wide of the far post.
Heavy rain at the Yongin Mireu Stadium didn’t dampen the intensity of the game, as both teams continued to play aggressively. However, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the second half, with only occasional threats, including a header from Byeon Jun-soo for Gwangju and a volley from distance by Muniz for JDT.
In the dying moments of the match, JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio brought on star players Jese Rodriguez, Heberty, and Bergson in search of an equalizer. However, it was Gwangju who sealed the victory in the 89th minute when Heo Yool’s header from an Asani cross deflected off Park Jun-heong, securing a 3-1 win for the home side.
The defeat leaves JDT searching for answers as they face a critical stretch in the AFC Champions League Elite, while Gwangju’s strong start continues with another impressive victory.
Credit Photo : JST
