Johor bahru: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz praised his players for delivering an impressive performance after defeating Lion City Sailors (LCS) 3-1 in their opening Group B match of the ASEAN Club Championship at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tonight. He said the Southern Tigers managed to control the match, especially in the first half, noting that the players capitalised on their chances to secure all three points in front of their home supporters.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Munoz expressed satisfaction with his team’s ability to control the game in the first 45 minutes, during which they scored a goal and created important chances. He congratulated the players for delivering a commendable performance and emphasized that the victory was a result of teamwork and commitment on the pitch. Munoz also reminded the players to maintain the same standard in upcoming matches.

JDT’s victory was secured through two goals, including a penalty, from Joao Vitor Brandao Figueredo and one from Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi. This win positions the 11-time consecutive Super League champions at the top of Group B with three points, level with Cambodia’s Svay Rieng, who edged Myanmar’s Shan United 1-0 in another fixture. JDT is set to face Bangkok United in their second group match at the same venue on September 25.

Meanwhile, LCS head coach Aleksandar Rankovic urged his players to recover quickly and bounce back in their next match. He acknowledged the difficulty of the match against JDT and highlighted the challenge of the next fixture in the competition. Rankovic noted that the penalty in the 11th minute impacted his players’ momentum but praised their determination and effort during the game.