Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) created history by becoming the first Malaysian team to reach the last 16 of the Asian Champions League (ACL) after stunning Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.
In beating former Asian champions Ulsan, the Southern Tigers ended the final round of fixtures as winners of Group 1.
Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale finished second in the group after beating China’s Guangzhou 1-0 at Larkin Stadium yesterday.
Argentine midfielder Leandro Velazquez gave JDT a dream start against the Korean giants with a stunning free kick in the fifth minute.
However, Ulsan equalised in the very next minute through Jun Amano at the near post.
Benjamin Mora’s side lost Natxo Insa in the 15th minutes due to injury and he was replaced by 21-year-old Nathaniel Shio.
Not content with a draw, the South Tigers pressed forward and pounded the Ulsan goalmouth in the closing stages of the game.
A series of shots led to Ulsan conceding an own goal in injury time.
Arif Aiman Hanapi’s goal attempt was turned into the Korean net by Park Yongwoo.
JDT, who won the tier-2 AFC Cup in 2015, became the first team in the ACL to book their ticket to the knockout stage of Asia’s most prestigious club competition.
Read more: https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2022/05/793168/jdt-make-asian-history
