“We have to have the belief and confidence that we can play how we want to play at this level,” said Hariss.

“We showed it in the first two games and today in the second half. The challenge for us is to try to improve and maintain this level. We have to look to play like this throughout the whole game and not just for one half. 

“But I think we can take heart from the second-half showing and we will try to move on and look forward to the next game.”

Hariss admitted that JDT had performed poorly in the opening 45 minutes, which ultimately cost them the game.

Nevertheless, the visitors were inches away from claiming a point when Gonzalo Cabrera’s free-kick came back off the bar in added time. 

“We didn’t start the game as well as we would have liked,” added Hariss. “We didn’t have confidence on the ball. In the second half, we came out better.

“We had more mobility, we moved a lot more and it was easier for us to keep the ball. We tried to create chances but it wasn’t easy against a physical team like this.

"But I think in the end, we tried to push all the way until the last whistle and it was just a bit unfortunate for us.”

To maintain realistic hopes of a place in the last 16, JDT really need to take three points when they host Shandong on Matchday Four on April 24.

The Malaysian side sit bottom of Group E on one point, four behind second-placed Shandong and six behind leaders Kashima Antlers.

Photo: Getty Images