Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Johor Bahru: Coach Casemiro Mior believes Hong Kong’s South China were unlucky not to come out on top in Tuesday’s AFC Cup quarter-final first leg with Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim following the 1-1 draw at Stadium Tan Sri Dato' Haji Yunos.
After both teams drew a blank in the first period, Johor’s Argentinean striker Luciano Figueroa netted his fifth goal of the tournament via a 48th minute penalty before Cameroon striker Mahama Awal brought the scores level after 63 minutes.
And although South China now hold an away goal advantage ahead of the return meeting in Hong Kong next month, the scoreline could have been further in the favour of the visitors if not for the performance of Johor goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi.
“The Johor goalkeeper was the best player for their team in the match. He saved two or three certain goals,” said Mior, who rejoined South China in the summer.
“Before the game, I would have gladly settled for a draw, but after we went 1-1, we had more chances to win.
“We also had a few good chances to score in the first 10 minutes and had some more chances after we equalised.
“We played a very good game, despite us having not played a competitive game for three months.”
Mior’s opposite number, Mario Gomez, recently oversaw Johor’s successful defence of their Malaysia Super League title, but the punishing schedule took its toll on the players resulting in Gomez being unable to get the better of his former employers.
“We have played eight games in the past 24 days and were tired after 70 minutes of the match, we could have lost, so I am satisfied with the 1-1 draw,” said Argentinean Gomez, who coached South China last season.
“I know South China; and their players are energetic and run a lot. Even though I know their team, their goalkeeper and defenders – who are the same from my time in charge – they had a different tactical approach with three midfielders and three strikers.
“But we did not help ourselves by choosing to wait after their equaliser; after they made it 1-1 we went quiet.”
Gomez had hoped compatriot Leandro Velazquez, who partnered Figueroa in attack, would give Johor an added edge in attack on his AFC Cup debut having missed the end of the domestic season.
“Leo only trained with us and struggled as he didn’t play a competitive match for the past two months,” added Gomez.
“Thus, it was only expected that he was unable to perform as he was capable of.”