PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are determined to finally shatter their barrier against Japanese opposition when they face Machida Zelvia in their AFC Champions League Elite opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.
The Southern Tigers have struggled to overcome teams from Japan in previous continental campaigns, suffering a string of defeats against Kawasaki Frontale and Nagoya Grampus in recent years.
But this time, there’s a quiet confidence within the camp.
Veteran Australian defender Shane Lowry said the team have been fully focused in the build-up to the clash.
“We know it’s going to be difficult. The J-League is one of the best in Asia, and we’ve had tough games against Japanese sides before,” said Lowry.
“But these are the games you want to play, the ones that test you at the highest level.”
JDT’s recent record against Japanese clubs tells the story of a long-standing challenge.
The Malaysian champions last faced Kawasaki Frontale in the 2023 AFC Champions League group stages, losing 0-5 and 0-1 in their two encounters.
In 2022, they managed a goalless draw before again falling 0-5 in the return leg against the same side. The year before, they were beaten 0-1 and 1-2 by Nagoya Grampus. Despite those setbacks, Lowry believes the key this time lies in mentality and composure – two elements that JDT have worked hard to strengthen as they prepare to face Machida Zelvia, currently fifth in the J-League.
“We’ve done our analysis, as we always do. The fans too have been unbelievable for us,” added Lowry, now in his fourth AFC Champions League campaign with JDT.
“The margins are small against Japanese teams. They’re technically, tactically, and physically excellent. So for us, the biggest component will be our mental focus, from the first minute to the last,” he said.
