The Brazilian was initially though to be available for the match but picked up a knock in training that kept him out of what proved to be a vital match for Johor Darul Ta'zim as The Southern Tigers clinched a spot in the 2019 Malaysia Cup quarterfinals on the back of that 3-2 win of Petaling Jaya City FC.
In his stead, Benjamin Mora relied on an in-form Syafiq Ahmad and was rewarded with two goals from the 24-year-old, including the winner in the second half. Now with a knock-out place secured and the need to keep Diogo protected, Mora could yet offer more minutes to Syafiq to continue to shine.