PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) flankers delivered an impressive performance against Penang in the Super League but one name continues to weigh heavily on coach Xisco Munoz’s mind – Arif Aiman Hanapi.
The Southern Tigers, without Arif, cruised to a 4-0 victory in their clash against the Panthers at City Stadium in Georgetown on Friday.
Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva struck twice in the 35th and 68th minutes, while compatriot Marcus Guilherme opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
Spanish wingback Oscar Arribas capped the dominant display with a goal in the 90th minute.
However, questions remain over the prolonged absence of winger Arif, who is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Munoz declined to provide a specific timeline for the 23-year-old’s return but stressed that the mercurial forward has been working tirelessly on his recovery.
“Arif is working very hard every single day to recover as quickly as possible,” said Munoz.
“We’re unable to use one of the best players in our squad. It is a big problem for us, like when Real Madrid or Barcelona lose Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in their time.
“Still, we must respond as a team. Others have to step up and give their best for the club, and Arif is supporting us from outside.”
The emphatic win strengthened JDT’s grip at the top of the Super League table as they now have 54 points from 18 matches.
They have opened an 18-point gap over second-placed Kuala Lumpur City, who have 36 points from the same number of games.
Based on current form, JDT need just two more victories to secure their 12th consecutive Super League title.
However, Munoz insists his focus remains on maintaining standards rather than celebrating milestones.
“We must keep winning until the end,” he said.
JDT’s next challenge is the AFC Champions League Elite first-leg last 16 game against Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Wednesday.
Munoz believes domestic fixtures have prepared his side well for the sterner continental test.
“Every game is preparation for us. At the Champions League stage, you face the best clubs and it demands a lot from you.
“I believe in this team and I know we can do it. With our fans at our stadium, we are like one player more. The most important thing now is belief.”
