PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) stormed into their sixth Malaysia Cup final in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, but the bigger boost was the gradual return of star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi.
The Southern Tigers completed a dominant semi-final campaign with a 4-1 second-leg victory over Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Tuesday, sealing an 8-1 aggregate win.
After the victory, coach Xisco Munoz highlighted the positive signs in Arif’s recovery. The club had revealed photos of him going through drills during a training session.
“The good news is Arif has started training, which is very positive for us. But he needs time to come back properly,” said Munoz.
“When he returns, he must be at 100 percent power and confidence. He is a special player, being one of the best in Asia, and we cannot afford to take a step backward by rushing him.
“Of course, I would have wanted him to play yesterday or even three months ago. But we must be patient. Whether it’s in three weeks or next season, his return will only happen when he is truly ready.”
On the pitch, JDT showed their class, particularly after the break when Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva opened the scoring in the 49th minute after hitting the crossbar from the penalty spot.
A loose save by Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Hafizul Hakim allowed Syahmi Safari to double the lead two minutes later, before Bergson grabbed his second in the 58th minute.
Kuala Lumpur’s captain Giancarlo Gallifuoco of Australia, briefly pulled one back in the 67th minute, but Bosnian striker Ajdin Mujagic sealed the rout late on in the 89th minute.
Added Munoz: “Reaching the final again is important for a club of this stature, and we must acknowledge the support behind the team.”
JDT, the defending champions, will face either Selangor or Kuching City in the final.
Despite the achievement, Munoz’s focus has already shifted to a demanding schedule, with a domestic clash against Terengganu and a crucial AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite trip to Jeddah looming.
Their next fixture will be against Terengganu in the Super League at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Saturday. The Southern Tigers have already wrapped their 12th consecutive league title.
