Malaysia

JDT captain Safiq Rahim: We will switch focus to Malaysia Super League, not AFC Cup

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) captain Safiq Rahim admitted that his side would switch their focus from AFC Cup to earn direct qualification for the 2019 AFC Champions League.

JDT suffered a 5-2 defeat to Thai League 1 side Muangthong United in the preliminary round of 2018 AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

They still have the AFC Cup to aim for, however Safiq stated that the Malaysia Super League champions would aim at a fifth successive domestic title in order to compete in the ACL in 2019.

“We all must focus on the league because if we win it again, we go direct to the Champions League, so this is the the dream for the club and the players. It will be the first time a team for a Malaysian team to play in the ACL,” Safiq told ESPN.