JDT's success in winning AFC Cup can inspire other teams - Johor MB

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin hopes that Johor Darul Takzim's (JDT) success in winning the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup last night can be a driving force for other local football teams to take up the challenge.

He said he also hoped that the success could inject momentum into the JDT side to achieve greater success in the future.

He said the victory was a result of the efforts and perseverance of the players, besides the prayer and support of all parties, whether they were Johoreans or Malaysians in general.

"When they played against Istiklol FC, JDT did not only represent Johor, but also the country," he said in a statement here, today.

Mohamed Khaled was among the dignitaries who witnessed the AFC Cup final at the Central Republican Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

JDT's only goal against Tajikistan club Istikol FC last night was scored by import player Leandro Velazquez in the 22nd minute, when he delivered a powerful shot from inside the penalty box, beating Istiklol's goalkeeper, Nikola Stosic.