04-07-2025
Red Giants face strong rivals in Asean Club Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor will battle for regional supremacy when the Asean Club Championship (ACC) kicks off next month.
Super League champions JDT have been drawn in Group B, with Thai League runners-up True Bangkok United, Vietnam's Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, Singapore's Lion City Sailors, Cambodian champions PKR Svay Rieng, and the winner of a playoff between Laos' Ezra FC and Myanmar's Shan United.
The Red Giants face a tougher route in Group A, which includes defending champions Buriram United, Thai heavyweights BG Pathum United, Vietnamese Cup winners Cong An Ha Noi, Singapore's Tampines Rovers, and the winner of the Brunei-Philippines playoff between Kasuka FC and Dynamic Herb Cebu.
Despite the tough draw, Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi remains optimistic, viewing the tournament as a valuable test for his squad.
"We will stick to our style, earn points, and aim to qualify for the next stage," said Kinoshi.
"Our group opponents are strong — some are even competing in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE). This is a great chance to gauge our level against top regional clubs."
The tournament will run until May next year.
