JDT create history by winning AFC cup

Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) Saturday created football history after they became the first Malaysian team to win the Asian Football Confederation Cup (AFC Cup).

The sole goal by Argentinian import Leandro Velazquez in the 22nd minute of the final against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan was good enough for the Southern Tigers to lift the Cup.

The victory also erased their past disappointment when they were knocked out at the group stage when making their debut in the prestigious competition as Johor FC in 2009.

As champions, they will be bringing home the AFC Cup which was presented by Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj of Johor himself.

They also took home US$350,000 (RM1.502 million), the prize money for the champions, while FC Istiklol were richer by US$250,000 (RM1.072 million) as runners-up.

Even sweeter, JDT captain Safiq Rahim was named as the Most Valuable Player while FC Istiklol captain Vasiev Dilshod was declared Man-of-the-Match.