PETALING JAYA: With national winger Arif Aiman Hanapi out injured, Manuel Hidalgo had to step up for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT). And he did it in style.
The Argentine delivered a memorable performance in the team’s fourth consecutive FA Cup title after the thrashed Sabah 5-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday night.
The 26-year-old’s skilful run led to JDT’s second goal – Sabah’s Rowilson Batuwil knocking it past his own goalkeeper - and he then capped the night by scoring in the closing minutes to seal the big win.
Earlier, Jonathan Silva opened the scoring in the ninth minute, before Jairo da Silva and Oscar Arribas extended the lead after Batuwil’s own goal.
Hidalgo, who was named man of the match, remained humble. He believes no one can replace Arif on the right flank of the Southern Tigers squad.
“I try to be as ready as I can, but I will not take Arif’s place. Nobody in Malaysia can take Arif’s place. He is by far the best player we have, and we look forward to welcoming him back from injury.
“I just follow the coach’s instructions in whatever role I am given, try to get as many minutes as I can and understand that this is JDT, with a squad full of quality players. If I do not play, it is because of this. So I try to get as many minutes as I can and enjoy it,” said Hidalgo.
Arif is currently sidelined for three months due to injury and has been sent to Finland for surgery and follow-up treatment.
Coach Xisco Munoz, meanwhile, dedicated the victory to club owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
However, he said JDT cannot get carried away with the win as their focus will shift back to the Super League when they face Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, followed by a clash with Kelantan three days later.
“It wasn’t an easy game. Sabah dominated many aspects and controlled the match. We’re happy with the result tonight, but in three days, we have another game, and a few days after that, another one.
“It’s tough, but we have to stay focused because this is the level we’re at,” said Munoz.
