AFC Champions League: JDT Host Buriram at Packed Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as Kuching City Prepare for Cambodian Test

Coach Xisco Muñoz targets home dominance in the ACL Elite against Thai champions Buriram United, while Coach Aidil Sharin Sahak rallies underdog Kuching City FC ahead of their historic ACL Two debut in Phnom Penh.

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9/14/20261 min read

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysian club football steps onto the grand continental stage as Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Kuching City FC prepare for their respective openers in the 2026/27 Asian club campaign.

At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, JDT host Thai heavyweights Buriram United in a blockbuster East Region League Stage fixture. JDT head coach Xisco Muñoz expressed full confidence in his squad's preparation during the pre-match press conference:
"Tomorrow will be a big game, and we are extremely well prepared for Buriram United. Playing at home gives us that extra drive, and with our fans filling up the stadium, we want to deliver a top-level performance."

A sold-out crowd is expected in Iskandar Puteri as Harimau Selatan aim to ignite their ACL Elite campaign with three points on home turf.

Meanwhile, historic debutants Kuching City FC have landed in Cambodia to prepare for their Group H opener against Phnom Penh Crown FC on September 17, 2026. Navigating a demanding domestic and international fixture schedule, head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak highlighted the importance of player recovery and mental resilience:

"With such a tight schedule alongside our upcoming ACL Two matches, managing recovery and squad strength is critical. We might not be considered a massive club on paper, but we bring huge spirit to this continental stage." Resource TVS

With JDT drawing on home-ground advantage against Buriram United and Kuching City bringing immense determination to their away test in Phnom Penh, both Malaysian clubs are primed to make their mark on Matchday 1.