JDT crush Pohang s Asian Champions League hopes with second half blitz

Johor Darul Tazim handed former champions Pohang Steelers a 5-2 thrashing on Tuesday to eliminate the South Koreans from the Asian Champions League Elite as Hector Bidoglios side confirmed their place in the last 16.

The Malaysian champions will be joined in the knockout rounds by Thailands Buriram United, who confirmed their progress with a 2-2 draw against Gwangju FC.

Shanghai Shenhua, meanwhile, kept their slender hopes alive with a 4-2 victory over Vissel Kobe after the Japanese sent a weakened squad to China, while Kawasaki Frontale eased to a 2-0 win against already-eliminated Central Coast Mariners.

Kawasaki lead the 12-team standings with 18 points from their eight matches, two more than compatriots Yokohama F Marinos, who take on Shanghai Port on Tuesday, with Kobe in third. The top eight finishers advance to the next phase.

JDT moved up to fourth with victory at home over the three-times Asian champions, the Malaysians coming back after going behind to a Lee Ho-jae header in the 27th minute.

Oscar Arribas levelled 10 minutes later and JDT stepped up a gear in the second half as goals from Bergson and Arif Aiman gave the hosts a two-goal cushion.

Kang Hyeon-je reduced the deficit with 10 minutes left but, with Pohang pushing for an equaliser that would salvage their qualification hopes, Jese scored on the counter and Jorge Obregons penalty deep into injury time sealed the win.

We were very motivated to approach this game because its the last game before the round of 16, said Bergson. JDT are stronger than ever and we are more motivated than ever.

BURIRAM UNITED PROGRESS WITH GWANGJU DRAW

Gwangju dropped to fifth following their 2-2 draw with Buriram United, who sit in sixth having squandered a two-goal lead against the South Koreans.

Guilherme Bissoli put the visitors