malaysiang
ISKANDAR PUTERI, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker Arif Aiman ??Mohd Hanapi is committed to working hard in all matches of the Southern Tigers, whether in the local league or international competition.
The 22-year-old said all games are important and will continue to try to score goals.
“I enjoy every moment, it’s not easy to get the chance to play in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against the best teams in Asia.
“So I can’t relax, can’t feel comfortable but will work hard every time and give my best in all matches,” he said at a press conference after the 2024/25 ACLE match between JDT and Shanghai Shenhua FC, last night.
In the match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here yesterday, Arif Aiman ??scored JDT’s first goal, besides playing a big role in helping to beat the Chinese club 3-0.
Arif Aiman ??who is also a national player said he was grateful to Acting Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio for motivating him, especially after facing injuries earlier.
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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,” said Arif Aiman, who has just recovered from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Hector said JDT played a good game and showed good team performance while creating many chances to score goals.
“For us every game is tough whether international or local league but we are happy with the improvement that is very important because everyday, every next game is difficult,” he said.
Shanghai Shenhua head coach Leonid Slutskiy said JDT deserved to win but it is a painful defeat for them.
“We hope we have played our worst game in this ACLE and we will use this defeat to come back stronger for our next game,” he said.
JDT is scheduled to meet South Korean club Gwangju FC in the third ACLE Group A action at Gw
angju World Cup Stadium on Oct 22.
In addition to 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).
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
