Down and out: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi will be missing in action due to injury. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The absence of star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi will be deeply felt when defending Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) face Melbourne City in their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite clash at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium today.
Arif, sidelined with a hamstring injury, has been one of JDT’s most influential players in recent seasons, and coach Xisco Munoz conceded that replacing him will not be easy.
“Everyone is sad about Arif’s situation – not just me and the players – because he is one of the best players, and everyone wants to see the best players play,” he said.
“We will try to step up and ensure whoever replaces him gives 100%. He is young, one of the best players in Asia, and he is difficult to replace.”
The Spaniard said several players are in contention to fill the void, including Manuel Hidalgo, Teto Martin and Mohamadou Sumareh.
JDT enter the match sitting second in the group with seven points from four games, while Melbourne City are seventh with six points.
Despite the standings, Munoz warned against underestimating the Australian side, describing them as one of the toughest opponents in the competition.
“Melbourne City have taken good points in this competition, and they are performing well.
“They are compact, intense and clever in attack. They are a step forward from what I saw last season.”
Munoz reiterated that his team must produce a disciplined 90-minute performance to keep pace with the competition’s top sides.
“We are now in a crucial moment of the competition. We are facing very strong teams with good tactics and high-intensity pressing,” he said.
He added that JDT’s demanding schedule across multiple competitions had made squad depth essential.
“We have 33–34 players ready to play across different competitions.
“Our schedule is very tough because we play every three days.”
Despite the challenges, Munoz believes his team are prepared and motivated.
“We have come here with full passion and we want to deliver a very good performance to try to take the points,” he said.
