Solari’s hunch proves true as sub Akhyar turns match winner

PETALING JAYA: In the hunt for a winner against Ulsan Hyundai, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Esteban Solari had to turn to his bench.

And the Argentine decided to bring on the tricky Akhyar Rashid for Spanish-Filipino wingback Oscar Arribas in the 85th minute.

Solari’s hunch proved true as the 24-year-old Akhyar needed just two minutes to prove his worth.

Wingback Matthew Davies unleashed a long pass from defence, which found Arif Aiman Hanapi and the 21-year-old winger made a through pass that sliced open the Ulsan defence.

Akhyar made a brilliant run to receive the pass and cooly slotted the ball in between the legs of goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.

That goal proved to be the match winner as the Southern Tigers edged Ulsan 2-1 in their fourth AFC Champions League Group I match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday.

JDT’s first goal was scored by Brazilian striker Heberty Fernan-des in the 44th minute while Ulsan’s goal was scored by Japanese midfielder Ataru Esaka in the 69th minute.

As for Akhyar, he said the goal was a surprise as he was just running in the middle to open up space for Arif to unleash a shot and did not expect a pass from his teammate.

“When he passed it to me, my only thought was to bury it and thankfully, I did it.

“To be honest, I was nervous. However, when the ball went in, I was lost for words, it was like a dream to me,” said the Malaysian international.

“I love coming as on a super-sub. When the coach decided to bring me on, he just told me to be myself and have fun. He wanted some pace and directness, so I am glad to bring that to the game.”