PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s success in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite was celebrated across the board, but for the club’s long-serving players, the achievement carried even greater meaning.
After five years with the Southern Tigers, Brazilian striker Bergson Da Silva (pic) and Australian centreback Shane Lowry were among those overcome with emotion following JDT’s 3-2 aggregate victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the round of 16 last week.
The result booked JDT a place in the quarter-finals, with the final stages set to be played in Jeddah next month. Bergson, 35, said the milestone was the reward for years of perseverance.
“When I think about giving up, God gives me a reason to keep going. Scoring goals for the club in the Champions League is always special, and to reach this stage is amazing,” he said.
“Most of us have been with this setup for almost five years or more, and we have not achieved this before. When the final whistle blew, we realised we had done something special for the club.
“The celebrations, the dancing at the hotel – it was pure happiness. This milestone is important for us. It is a big step forward in Asia and a moment where we are now being discussed as one of the best clubs on the continent.”
Lowry, 36, who previously played for Aston Villa, said the team had to remain disciplined and focused to secure the result.
“It is extremely satisfying to get the result, but we had to stay hyper-focused in the second leg, being resilient and organised,” he said.
“Overall, it is a result to be proud of because many of us have never achieved this before. It is a proud moment for everyone at the club.
“We are also excited for the next stage. We experienced a similar format during the Covid-19 period, so we are ready for what is coming.”
The quarter-finals onwards will be played in a centralised format, where Asia’s top eight clubs will compete in single-leg ties.
JDT chief executive officer Luis Garcia also congratulated the team, praising their hard work and dedication.
“Being among the top eight teams in Asia is the result of many years of hard work but this is not the end of the journey,” he said.
“Every effort, sacrifice and moment of discipline will pay off. Keep believing, keep pushing. The best is yet to come.”
