JDT aims for three points in South Korea

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz has urged his squad to deliver a high-intensity performance as they seek their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) against Pohang Steelers.

Munoz, a Spanish-born manager, acknowledged that securing the three points would not be straightforward, noting that the home side is also chasing its first win in the prestigious tournament. He emphasized that the "Southern Tigers" must play with extreme determination to ensure the team does not return home empty-handed.

The coach highlighted the difficulty of the fixture, pointing out that while JDT defeated Pohang Steelers 5-2 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on February 18, 2025, that match was played on home soil. Munoz stated that Pohang Steelers will not want to disappoint their home crowd, requiring JDT players to provide full commitment for the entire 90 minutes and avoid any errors.

"We expect a fierce encounter, so we cannot make mistakes. Players need to give their best performance and look for opportunities to score an early goal," Munoz said. He stressed that the team must not give the opposition any room for error in this high-stakes contest.

Historical context adds weight to the challenge, as the South Korean club has previously defeated JDT twice. Pohang Steelers won 4-1 on June 28, 2021, and 2-0 on July 1, 2021. These prior results underscore the competitive nature of the rivalry between the two clubs in continental competition.

JDT will be without key defender Eddy Israfilov for the match. Munoz confirmed that the player is suspended for two matches following a red card received during the September 15 encounter against Thailand’s Buriram United. The absence of a central defensive figure presents a tactical challenge for the Malaysian side as they face a determined opponent in South Korea.