KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) earned their first win in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) campaign after beating Shanghai Shenhua 3-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Shenhua, who impressed in their 4-1 win over South Korean side Pohang Steelers last month, was given a rude awakening by the Southern Tigers at home.
JDT started their ACLE campaign by holding another Chinese Super League champions Shanghai Port to a 2-2 draw last month.
Nippy winger Arif Aiman Hanapi was once again the toast of JDT as he opened the scoring in the 11th minute, earning his third goal in the ACLE.
The hosts seemed to have doubled their lead in the 24th minute through Oscar Arribas but the goal was ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
JDT made amends two minutes later as Jorge Obregon’s close range header gave them a two-goal cushion in the 26th minute.
The visitors tried to get back into the game but JDT were in control and dominated their match.
JDT put the match beyond Shenhua after Juan Muniz scored from a free kick in the 80th minute to claim a superb home win over the Chinese side.
The Super League champions will next travel to South Korea to take on South Korean top club Gwangju on Oct 22.
