ISKANDAR PUTERI, 2 OCT – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi is determined to show his best performance in every match of the Southern Tigers squad whether for local competition or at the Asian level.
The 22-year-old said all games are important and he will continue to work hard to score goals for JDT.
“I enjoyed every moment, it’s not easy to get the chance to play in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against the best team in Asia. So I can’t relaxcan’t get comfortable but will work hard every time and give the best in all matches,” he said at a press conference after the ACLE 2024/25 match between JDT against Shanghai Shenhua FC, last night.
In the match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here yesterday, Arif Aiman scored JDT’s first goal in addition to playing a big role in helping the Chinese club win 3-0.
Arif Aiman who is also a national squad player said he was grateful to Acting Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and JDT Head Coach Hector Bidoglio for always motivating, especially after facing injuries before.
“Due to previous injuries, my performance fluctuated but the Acting Sultan of Johor and the coach helped me a lot to raise my spirits. I want to stay playing at this club forever. Today’s victory is for the supporters. We appreciate them coming to the stadium and we want to give the best performance, thank you all,” he said, who has just recovered from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Hector said JDT played well and showed a solid performance as a team while creating many chances to score goals.
“For us, every match is difficult whether it’s an international match or a local league but we are happy with the improvement which is very important because every day, every next match is difficult,” he said.
Shanghai Shenhua Head Coach Leonid Slutskiy said JDT deserved to win but at the same time admitted this defeat was very painful for them.
“We hope this is the worst match in ACLE and we will use this defeat as a lesson to rise more bravely in the next match,” he said.
JDT is scheduled to meet the South Korean club Gwangju FC in the third ACLE Group A action at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium on October 22.
Apart from Gwangju, JDT will also face Ulsan Hyundai FC (South Korea), Shandong Taishan FC (China), Buriram United FC (Thailand), Central Coast Mariners FC (Australia) and Pohang Steelers (South Korea).- Bernama
