PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) hopes of creating history at the AFC Champions League have been dashed.
Defending champions Kashima Antlers of Japan’s 2-1 win over China’s Shandong Luneng rendered the result of the JDT-Gyeongnam clash a dead rubber.
The Super League champions, who were eyeing to become the first Malaysian team to qualify for the last 16, went down 0-2 to Gyeongnam in the final Group E match at the Changwon Football Centre Stadium yesterday.
JDT clearly missed the presence of their hotshot striker Safawi Rasid, who was suspended for the match after picking up two yellow cards.
After a goalless first-half, Gyeongnam finally found their breakthrough in the 65th minute when Luc Castaignos slammed the ball home from close range after a headed pass from Lee Kwang-seon.
JDT pushed hard for the equaliser but could not break through Gyeongnam’s stout defence.
The South Korean side doubled their lead in the 94th minute through Takahiro Kunimoto.
Debutants JDT ended their campaign bottom of the group with four points.
Leaders Shandong and defending champions Kashima advanced to the knockout stage.
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