A new history will be written in the record books of Malaysian football as Johor Darul Ta'zim go up against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in the final of 2015 AFC Cup.

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Credit to:    OOI KIN FAI     Follow him on Twitter

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If JDT are hoping to bring home the silverware, these are the potentially key areas which they have to come out on top of....

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PETRO KOVALCHUK VS LUCIANO FIGUEROA

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Istiklol have a propensity to concede goals via aerial route and that is where JDT must dominate to give themselves a fighting chance on foreign soil. In Luciano Figueroa, JDT have someone with the knack of finding space in the box to add to his heading prowess. If the delivery from wide areas or from set pieces are on the money, Figueroa may well end up being the match winner here.

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KHURSHED MAKHMUDOV VS HARRIS HARUN

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Makhmudov have already notched up four goals in this season’s competition and his runs from midfield is an art form. Hariss Harun will have to temper his desire to burst forward and keep a close eye on Makhmudov. The Singaporean international will have to ensure that Makhmudov's late runs into the box are checked and not allowed to cause disarray in JDT's defence.

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DILSHOD VASIEV VS AIDIL ZAFUAN

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The captain of Istiklol is a canny operator in the forward line and plays more in the hole behind the striker, a player whom plenty of movement can be expected. Aidil likes to defend on his front foot and be proactive in his actions but will have to be measured in his choices so as not to get caught up away from his defensive line in trying to deny Vasiev the space he craves.