PROUD MUNOZ SALUTES JDT’S FIGHTING SPIRIT IN ACLE TRIUMPH

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- 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.

Describing it as “an amazing night”, Munoz said the win marked another step forward for the Southern Tigers and reflected the squad’s steady development and strong mentality.

“It’s an important result for us, and I’m very happy with how the fans helped us tonight. The stadium was magical, incredible, and they (the fans) helped us in all moments. I’m proud of the players because they gave everything they had,” he said at the post-match press conference last night.

Munoz was also delighted with the clean sheet last night.

He also praised his team for putting up a strong fight despite having two goals ruled offside - Nene’s 39th-minute effort and Marcos Guilherme’s 55th-minute strike -and singled out Guilherme for his sharpness in netting the winning goal.

 Munoz added that finishing sixth in the group phase gives JDT an added advantage heading into the knockout stage, particularly with the confidence gained from strong performances at home and away.

“It doesn’t matter who we face. When teams reach the next round, it’s because they are strong. We must be ready for anything,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vissel Kobe head coach Michael Skibbe admitted that JDT deserved victory and progression to the next round.

“I’m not happy with the result, of course, but I’m satisfied with what we have done on the pitch,” he said, adding that the loss was due to resting his key players.

-- BERNAMA