Global yields to Malaysians

MANILA, Philippines -  Malaysian champ Johor Darul Ta’zim stopped streaking Philippine counterpart Global FC on its tracks, scoring an emphatic 4-0 shutout Tuesday night in their battle for group leadership at Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Yunos in Malaysia.

Mahali Jasuli (31’), skipper Safiq Rahim (34’), Brian Ferreira (88’) and Marco Antonio (90+2’) took turns piercing through the Global defense to inflict the visitors’ first setback after two successive triumphs.

The victory thus lifted the Southern Tigers to the top of Group F with seven points.

The People’s Club, which started its campaign with victories over Magwe of Myanmar (1-0) and Beoungket Angkor of Cambodia (2-0), found itself stuck with six points for No. 2 after the first round of the home-and-away group hostilities.

“We’re so disappointed with the result; we know we can do better than this,” Global captain Misagh Bahadoran, who came off the bench at the 40th minute.

Global struggled against JDT’s quick passing and movement, allowing the 2015 AFC Cup titlists to take a 2-0 headstart. Jasuli broke the ice with a strike that ricocheted off the post and into the goal at the 31st minute. Three minutes later, Global’s Amani Aguinaldo was called for a foul against Ahmad Akri inside the box and Rahim pounced on the opportunity to score on the spot and double the lead.

Ferreira and Brazilian defender Antonio completed the rout with a fine finish and header, respectively, late in the match to the delight of 11,090 home supporters.

Global will get the chance for payback against JDT as they will meet again on April 4 over at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“We’ll come back stronger. Next game will be in the Philippines and we’ll do our best to defend our home and go back to the top of the table,” said Bahadoran.