Despite finding himself wedged within a squad packed with foreigners and naturalized talent, Malaysia international winger Arif Aiman became the star for Johor Darul Ta’zim as the Southern Tigers cruised to a 3-0 win over Chinese powerhouses Shanghai Shenhua in Tuesday’s 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite action at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Arif opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by Jorge Obregon doubling the lead 15 minutes later, as JDT bounced back from their 2-2 draw against Shenhua’s city rivals Shanghai Port with a victory in front of their home fans. Juan Muniz sealed the win with a sublime free kick in the 80th minute.
This result pushed JDT to four points from two games, while Shanghai Shenhua stayed at three points, having previously beaten Pohang Steelers 4-1 in their opening match in China.
JDT came out firing from the first whistle, with Arif immediately troubling Shenhua by delivering a low cross in the opening 20 seconds that Obregon narrowly missed converting. The Colombian forward missed another opportunity in the eighth minute, dragging his shot wide despite a fortunate deflection that gave him a clear chance on goal.
However, Arif soon made up for it by breaking the deadlock. After receiving a pass from Muniz on the right flank, the Malaysian international cut inside and drove a low left-footed shot past Shenhua goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong.
Arif’s pace and skill continued to torment the Shenhua defense. He appeared to have set up Iker Undabarrena for a second goal, but the Spaniard’s clever flick was ruled offside. Just minutes later, JDT doubled their lead when Murilo whipped in a cross from the left, and Obregon headed it home confidently.
Shane Lowry nearly made it three for JDT in first-half stoppage time with a long-range effort, but Bao made a spectacular save, diving full stretch to push the shot away.
In the second half, JDT kept the pressure on, with Arif remaining a constant threat and Bao forced into several more saves. Shenhua’s best chance came in the 57th minute when Shinichi Chan’s deflected shot almost snuck in, but JDT’s defense held firm.
As the game neared its end, Muniz capped off a superb performance for JDT with a stunning 25-yard free kick that curled beyond Bao’s reach, securing the 3-0 win.