ISKANDAR PUTERI, 2024, OCTOBER 01 – Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) delivered a commanding performance at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Tuesday night, cruising to a 3-0 win over Chinese giants Shanghai Shenhua FC to remain unbeaten after two matches in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite™ 2024/25.
Arif Aiman opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a precise low strike after being set up by Juan Muñiz. Jorge Obregón doubled the lead 15 minutes later with a powerful header from Murilo’s cross, before Muñiz capped off a fine display with a sublime free kick in the 80th minute.
The result sees JDT move to four points in Group Stage action, following their opening 2-2 draw with Shanghai Port FC. Shenhua, who thrashed Pohang Steelers FC 4-1 in their first outing, remain on three points.
JDT started brightly, with Arif Aiman threatening inside the opening 20 seconds and nearly setting up Obregón for an early breakthrough. Obregón missed another golden chance in the eighth minute before Arif made no mistake with a brilliant left-foot finish past Bao Yaxiong.
Arif continued to torment the Shenhua backline and almost had an assist when Iker Undabarrena’s clever flick found the net—only to be ruled out for offside. Minutes later, Obregón made it 2-0 with a bullet header after a superb delivery from Murilo.
Just before the break, Shane Lowry nearly added a third with a long-range effort that Bao tipped wide. In the second half, JDT maintained control, and while Shenhua had a brief moment of hope through a deflected Shinichi Chan effort, Muñiz sealed the win with a stunning 25-yard free kick.
JDT will now look to carry this momentum into their next ACL Elite fixture as they continue their campaign in Group A.
Match highlights can be found on The AFC Hub YouTube channel.
