PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s success in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite was celebrated across the board, but for the club’s long-serving players, the achievement carried even greater meaning.

After five years with the Southern Tigers, Brazilian striker Bergson Da Silva (pic) and Australian centreback Shane Lowry were among those overcome with emotion following JDT’s 3-2 aggregate victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the round of 16 last week.