KUALA LUMPUR: It was a dream comeback worthy of a script for a sports movie.
After more than six months on the sidelines dealing with the most serious injury of his career, Arif Aiman Hanapi didn’t take long to remind fans that he is still the golden boy of local football in the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim winger needed only 31 minutes after coming on as a substitute to mark his long-awaited return in spectacular fashion.
Arif scored a sublime stoppage-time goal to seal the Southern Tigers’ 2-0 victory over Kuching City at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The triumph also carried extra significance for Arif, who is set to tie the knot with Nurul Aliah Natasha Hairushari today.
“The goal and winning the Malaysia Cup are meaningful gifts for me ahead of my big day,” he said.
For many players, returning from a severe hamstring injury brings uncertainty.
There are always fears of a recurrence, moments of hesitation and lingering doubts.
But Arif never allowed those thoughts to consume him.
Before entering the match, the three-time Malaysian Football League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) assured coach Xisco Munoz with a confident message.
“Do not worry, I will do something for you and the team,” he told Munoz.
And true to his word, Arif delivered just that.
His introduction in the 64th minute in place of La’Vere Corbin-Ong sparked a deafening roar from the JDT faithful, who had waited months to see their star winger back in action.
With the match still delicately poised after Brazilian winger Marcus Guilherme broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, Arif produced the perfect finishing touch deep into injury time.
Collecting the ball outside the penalty area, he unleashed a brilliant strike that clipped the inside of the post and went past goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli to send the stadium erupting in celebration.
Arif said he was excited to score on his return and did not let the nerves that come with a lengthy absence from action get to him.
“There was no fear. I just wanted to play and help the team get the result.
“Even when I told the coach not to worry because I would get it done, I was actually joking. I guess my mindset has changed.”
Arif admitted he had seen comments from fans questioning whether he would be able to rediscover his form after such a long spell out injured.
Saturday’s cameo was enough to silence all that.
“I prepared myself mentally. My mentality became stronger through my work and my love for football.
“Some people said I would not regain my momentum, but that is okay. I have always stayed confident.
“Six months without action was a struggle. It was boring without games.
“This was the worst injury I have ever suffered, but it motivated me to stay patient, rest and take my time. And now, here I am again.”
Meanwhile, Munoz was delighted to have Arif back.
”I know how hard he has worked to come back. He pushed himself every day, sometimes working alone on the field and in the gym,’’ said Munoz.
“His commitment, passion and character for the club – these values are what we want.”
