JDT goalscorer Alvaro Gonzalez
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) inched closer to qualifying for the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) after defeating 10-man Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in their penultimate group stage match in New South Wales, Australia on Tuesday (Feb 11).
However, the Southern Tigers did not have it easy despite gaining a one-man advantage after Australian goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen was shown a red card for fouling Arif Aiman Hanapi outside the penalty area in injury time.
JDT were unable to break down the home team's formidable defence and faced a goalless draw until newly signed defender Alvaro Gonzalez emerged as a hero with a brace, breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute.
The hosts responded six minutes later with Alou Kuol equalising, which was confirmed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Gonzalez then scored the winner in the 79th minute, this time with a header after receiving a beautiful pass from Heberty Fernandes.
With the victory, JDT is now fifth in the ACLE Eastern Division League with 11 points from seven matches.
The top eight teams in each group will qualify for the second round.
