AFC Cup defending champion JDT beat Bengaluru FC 3-0

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) scored a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bengalaru FC from India in their final Group H match in the AFC Cup 2016 competition at the Larkin Stadium, here on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, JDT skipper Safiq Rahim who came on as a substitute for Mohd Amri Yahyah in the 58th minute quickly worked his magic to give JDT in the 69th minute.

Striker Mohd Safee Mohd Sali struck the second in the 77th minute after Safiq turned provider before Mohd Shakir Shaari put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute from the penalty spot after S. Chanturu was brought down inside the box.

The squad handled by coach Mario Gomez, paraded a lineup of all local players but still packed enough power to trouble the visiting goalkeeper through Mohd Nazrin Mohd Nawi's attempts in the 20th, 33rd and 51st minutes before Safiq's strike.

JDT, the defending champion who had already qualified for the knockout stage even before the match, have now won all six matches in Group H to accumulate maximum points (18).

The win was another feather in the cap for JDT who face PKNS FC in the FA Cup on May 14 at the Shah Alam Stadium.

JDT will be the only representative in the second round of the AFC Cup competition since Selangor had lost 0-1 to Tampines Rovers from Singapore and were knocked out of teams advancing from Group E.

In the next round, Group H winners are expected to faced Group F runner-up, Kaya FC from the Philippines at the Larkin Stadium on May 25.