PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have kicked off their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite campaign by securing a hard-earned point.

The Southern Tigers faced a challenging match against Chinese club Shanghai Port, resulting in a 2-2 draw at the Pudong Olympic Stadium in Shanghai on Wednesday, September 18.

Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi was the standout performer for JDT, showcasing his exceptional skills with two stunning solo goals. His first goal came just before halftime in the 45th minute, providing a crucial boost for the team. He struck again in the 56th minute, demonstrating his ability to penetrate the opposition’s defense and finish with precision.

Shanghai Port’s response was equally impressive, with Brazilian strikers Gustavo Henrique and Willian Popp finding the back of the net. Henrique equalized shortly after Hanapi’s first goal in the 48th minute, while Popp’s strike in the 73rd minute ensured the match ended in a draw.

Looking ahead, JDT will prepare for their next ACL Elite fixture against another Chinese side, Shanghai Shenhua. This highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on October 1. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how JDT performs on home turf against a formidable opponent.