Johor bahru: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz was gushing with pride after watching his men claim a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vissel Kobe in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) East Zone match to check into the round-of-16.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Munoz described the victory as 'an amazing night' and highlighted that it marked another step forward for the Southern Tigers, showcasing the squad's steady development and strong mentality. Munoz expressed happiness with the support from fans, stating that the stadium atmosphere was crucial in motivating the team to give their best.

Munoz was also pleased with the team's defensive performance, noting the significance of maintaining a clean sheet. He commended the players for their resilience, particularly after two goals were disallowed for offside. Guilherme received special mention for his decisive play in scoring the match-winning goal. Munoz emphasized that finishing sixth in the group phase boosts JDT's confidence as they prepare for the knockout stage.

In contrast, Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe acknowledged JDT's deserving victory and advancement. While dissatisfied with the outcome, Skibbe expressed contentment with his team's performance on the field, attributing the loss to the decision to rest key players.