ISKANDAR PUTERI, 2026, FEBRUARY 17 – Marcos Guilherme‘s late strike earned Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) a 1-0 victory over Japan’s Vissel Kobe at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, securing the Southern Tigers’ place in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 for a second consecutive season.
The Brazilian forward broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, sealing a crucial win for Xisco Muñoz‘s side against a Vissel Kobe team that had already booked its place in the knockout stage.
The victory saw JDT finish the league stage with 11 points from eight matches, guaranteeing a top-eight finish in the East Zone standings and progression to the Round of 16.
JDT made a positive start and almost opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Vissel goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda produced an excellent save to deny Guilherme after Bergson da Silva‘s clever flick created the opportunity.
At the other end, Andoni Zubiaurre was called into action on several occasions, keeping out efforts from Jean Patric before Kaito Yamada fired wide as the visitors threatened.
The home side thought they had taken the lead six minutes before the break when Nené found the bottom corner, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
JDT continued to press after the restart and were again denied in the 57th minute as Guilherme had another goal disallowed for a marginal offside decision. Bergson then came close moments later, striking the outside of the post.
Vissel Kobe nearly punished the hosts in the 71st minute when substitute Kento Hamasaki hit the post after a swift counter-attack led by Jean Patric.
The decisive moment arrived two minutes later. Substitute Jairo won possession deep inside the Vissel half before releasing Guilherme, who calmly slotted home to score in consecutive AFC Champions League Elite matches and hand JDT a memorable victory.
The visitors pushed for a late equaliser, with Boniface Nduka heading against the post in the closing stages, but JDT held firm to secure all three points and another place in the knockout rounds.
