KUALA LUMPUR: After bagging the FA Cup trophy, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) players have a greater sense of conviction ahead of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite in September, said Bergson Da Silva.
The Southern Tiger midfielder said Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Selangor proved that his team will be able to put on a fight in the Asian meet which promises fiercer competition for JDT.
“Yes (this is good start).
“We know difficult games are coming with tough opponents.
“But every year when we put our jersey on, in this competition, we are sure that there are more opportunity to show,” said Bergson.
On Saturday, the Southern Tigers defeated Selangor with a hattrick by Juan Muniz, and a goal each from Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, Bergson and Heberty Fernandes, while the Red Giants only managed to score a consolation goal by Alvin Fortes.
Based on the draw, the Southern Tigers will be competing against South Korean K1 League champions Ulsan FC, who are now under the guidance of former Harimau Malaya trainer Kim Pan-gon in the AFC Champions scheduled to be held from Sept 16-Feb 19.
Besides Ulsan FC, JDT will also face Thai League 1 champions Buriram United, Pohang Steelers, another team from South Korea; Shanghai Shenhua FC (China), Shanghai Port FC, Australian A-League Men champions Central Coast Mariners FC and Gwangju FC (South Korea). — Bernama
