JDT's AFC Cup hopes dashed by last minute penalty

KUALA LUMPUR: A last minute dubious penalty dashed Johor Darul Ta'zim’s (JDT) Asian Football Confederation (AFC Cup) hopes, when Ceres-Negros FC from the Philippines emerged with a 2-1 victory in the AFC Cup second leg semifinal at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, Philippines, tonight.
The 1-2 loss saw the aggregate score tied at 4-4 but Ceres-Negros FC advanced to the ASEAN zone final on away goals rule since the Philippines side had scored twice in their 2-3 loss at the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin on May 17.
Ceres-Negros FC will meet Home United from Singapore in the final which will be played on a home and away format on Aug 1 and 8.
Home United marched into final after registering a 5-4 aggregate win over Global FC from the Philippines in another semifinal played yesterday.
In the match played today, Kota Kawase gave Ceres-Negros the lead in the 26th minute but Gabriel Miguel Guerra equalised for JDT in the 64th minute to maintain the advantage at 4-3 on aggregate until the final minute penalty spoilt the party for JDT.
Striker Fernando Rodriguez calmly slotted the ball from the spot to sent the crowd into a frenzy while JDT goalkeeper Farizal Marlias saw red when he continued to disagree with the referees decision and the reaction of the Ceres-Negros players. — Bernama