KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 ― Super League defending champions, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have been knocked out of the AFC Champions League (ACL) after they lost 2-5 to Muangthong United of Thailand in the second preliminary round in Bangkok last night.

With the defeat, JDT will be competing in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup with three other teams namely Tampines Rovers of Singapore, Persija Jakarta (Indonesia) and Vietnam’s Song Lam Nghe An.

According to JDT: The Southern Tigers Facebook, Muangthong opened the score in the seventh minute via Sarach Yooyen before Tristan Do doubled the score in the 21st minute in the match at Suphachalasai Stadium.

Muangthong’s Brazillian import, Heberty Fernandes de Andrade converted a penalty in the 28th minute for his team to lead 3-0 in the first half.

When play resumed in the second half, Muangthong collected their fourth goal through Theerathon Bunmathan in the 56th minute before Heberty earned a brace six minutes later.

JDT however managed to reduce the deficit with two goals from Argentine import, Jorge Pereyra Diaz in injury time. ― Bernama