PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) search for their first win in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite continues after they were held to a goalless draw by Japanese side Machida Zelvia at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Tuesday (Sept 30).
The Southern Tigers created several promising chances but were unable to find the breakthrough, while goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi delivered a commanding performance to keep the visitors at bay.
Machida came close to drawing first blood in the 17th minute when wingback Asahi Masuyama’s half-volley forced a superb save from Syihan.
Three minutes later, the Japanese club were awarded a penalty after Jonathan Silva fouled South Korean winger Na Sang-ho in the box, but Yuki Soma’s spot-kick struck the right post, much to the relief of the home crowd.
JDT’s first real chance arrived in the 27th minute when Ager Aketxe latched onto a pass from Arif Aiman Hanapi, but the Spaniard’s left-footed attempt went narrowly wide.
Machida responded swiftly through Henry Mochizuki, whose long-range effort was once again denied by the in-form Syihan.
After the break, Machida continued to press, but Syihan remained unbeatable, pulling off another sharp save to deny Na Sang-ho from close range in the 59th minute.
Seeking more attacking spark, JDT coach Xisco Munoz replaced striker Bergson Da Silva with Jairo Da Silva, and the Brazilian nearly made an impact in the 73rd minute, heading Aketxe’s corner just wide off the post.
Machida kept threatening with a series of crosses into the box, but Syihan’s anticipation and confident handling snuffed out any danger.
JDT substitute Teto Martin almost turned the tide late on when he unleashed a powerful 25-metre drive, but his effort missed goalkeeper Kosei Tani’s goal by mere inches.
Despite the draw, JDT showed grit and defensive discipline, but their inability to convert chances means their wait for a first ACL Elite win goes on.
