Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Muñoz has revealed the remarkable words spoken by Arif Aiman Hanapi moments before the winger delivered a fairytale return in the Piala Malaysia 2025/26 Final against Kuching City.
After spending six months sidelined with a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old winger made his long-awaited comeback on the biggest stage of Malaysian football — and marked it with a stunning goal that sealed JDT’s 2-0 victory at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil.
With the match still delicately balanced late in the second half, Arif burst forward from the left flank, sliced through the heart of Kuching City’s defence and unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli to spark emotional celebrations among the Southern Tigers faithful.
Following the match, Xisco disclosed that Arif had already predicted his impact before stepping onto the pitch.
“Regarding Arif, this was already part of our plan,” said the Spanish tactician during the post-match press conference.
“We knew he could play during that period of the game, and in the final training session he showed extraordinary quality.”
The JDT boss then revealed the confident message delivered by Arif moments before his introduction.
“When Arif was about to enter the pitch, he told me, ‘Coach, relax. No problem, I can change the situation.’”
“And he really did it,” Xisco added with a smile.
“I’m very happy.”
Arif’s dramatic return added another emotional chapter to JDT’s historic campaign as the Southern Tigers secured their fourth consecutive Malaysia Cup crown.
Earlier in the match, Marcos Guilherme had finally broken Kuching City’s resistance with a composed finish in the 80th minute before Arif completed the triumph deep into stoppage time.
The victory completed yet another extraordinary season for JDT, who have now lifted the Malaysia Cup in four straight editions — 2022, 2023, 2024/25 and now 2025/26 — further cementing their dynasty in Malaysian football.
For Arif Aiman, however, the night carried even deeper meaning.
After months of rehabilitation, uncertainty and frustration, Malaysia’s brightest football talent returned exactly the way champions dream of returning — under the lights of Bukit Jalil, with a goal, a trophy and a promise fulfilled.
Credit Photo : JST
