PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have provided a welcome boost on the continental stage amid the heated climate surrounding Malaysian football following the suspension of seven mixed-heritage players.
The Southern Tigers continued their remarkable rise by reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time since the club’s formation in 2012.
Although JDT suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Wednesday night, they progressed 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the last eight.
Kosuke Kinoshita converted a 90th minute penalty for the Japanese side, but it came too late to stop the Malaysian champions from advancing.
The quarter-finals from April 16 onwards will be played in a centralised format in Jeddah, where Asia’s top eight clubs will compete in single-leg ties.
A draw to determine the match-ups for the remaining eight teams will be held on March 25.
JDT coach Xisco Munoz could not hide his delight after the final whistle, though he admitted it was far from an easy contest.
“It was a difficult game. We spoke about the danger they have from set-pieces and today they scored again from that situation,” said Munoz, who joined the club last year.
“But the most important thing is that the team maintained the same intensity, power and belief in what we are doing.
“We have made history. A Malaysian club reaching this stage is something very positive. There are still things we can improve, but I’m very happy because the club have shown it can compete at a high level.
“I’m also very happy for the players and staff because everyone has given everything. It has been a long and demanding season with a lot of travel, and we worked very hard to reach this moment.”
Munoz added that the late penalty did little to unsettle his side.
“Even though they reduced the deficit with a penalty at the end, it didn’t create problems for us. The players remained composed and defended well to repel their attacks.”
Meanwhile, Sanfrecce coach Bartosch Gaul admitted disappointment after his side fell short.
“Both the team and I feel angry and disappointed because we invested a lot into this tie,” said Gaul.
“The first leg was already a big challenge and we knew coming here would be difficult. Credit to our opponents because they defended their box very well with their big, strong players, which made things difficult for us.
“However, I want to compliment my team. We fought and believed until the end and, even if it wasn’t enough today, I’m sure it will be in the future.”
