PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) got their Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup campaign off on the right foot after defeating neighbours Lion City Sailors of Singapore 3-1 on Thursday (Aug 21).
In the Group B match, the Southern Tigers were quick to claw into the scoreline when national striker Joao Figueiredo converted a penalty in the 11th minute.
The Brazil-born player then doubled the lead for the hosts five minutes later, giving them the cushion for the remainder of the match.
Despite the Sailors best efforts to close the gap, nothing proved effective, and in injury time, JDT hotshot Arif Aiman Hanapi closed the door on any chance of a comeback by making it three.
However, the Sailors got a consolation goal for their trip across the causeway through winger Shawal Anuar five minutes into added time.
JDT will face Bangkok United next in their next group stage fixture on Sep 25.
