KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Super League giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will face four ASEAN clubs in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) league stage following today’s draw at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters here.
The Southern Tigers will face Thai giants Buriram United for the third consecutive season, with the match scheduled at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI), while also hosting Thailand’s Port FC and travelling to face Ratchaburi FC.
The side coached by Xisco Munoz will complete their four ASEAN fixtures by hosting Vietnamese representatives Cong An Ha Noi FC (CAHN FC).
Three South Korean clubs also await JDT, with the Malaysian champions travelling to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers, while hosting Daejeon Hana Citizen at SSI.
JDT will also travel to Australia to face Newcastle Jets to complete their eight league-stage matches in the East Zone.
Last season, JDT made history as the first Malaysian team to reach the quarter-finals of the elite Asian club competition.
However, the Southern Tigers’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals were dashed after they lost 1-2 to defending champions Al-Ahli.
Meanwhile, the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) draw placed Kuching City FC in Group H alongside South Korean club Gangwon FC.
Aidil Sharin Sahak’s side will also face Hong Kong representatives Kitchee FC and Cambodian club Phnom Penh in the group stage.
This will be Kuching City’s first appearance in the ACL2 after finishing runners-up in the Malaysia Super League last season.
-- BERNAMA