KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz revealed that Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi’s confidence played a key role in the Southern Tigers’ 2-0 victory over Kuching City FC in the 2025-2026 Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, last night.
Munoz said the winger had assured him he could change the course of the match moments before being introduced as a substitute in the 65th minute, with JDT still struggling to break down Kuching City.
The 45-year-old Spaniard said Arif Aiman backed up his words with an influential display, helping shift the momentum of the match before sealing the win for the Super League champions with a late goal.
“I can say a secret. When Arif was coming in, he told me, ‘Coach, easy. No problem. I can change the situation,’ and he changed the situation.
“I’m happy about that because we know that against Kuching City it is not easy. They are a difficult team,” he told the post-match press conference.
Munoz also praised his players’ mentality and commitment, saying the squad remained determined to continuously improve and uphold the standards demanded by the club.
“We need to improve, we need to compete and we need to always try to take one step forward. This is what the Boss (Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail) always demands from us.
“I’m very proud of our players because everybody shares the same values. We always try to defend our jersey, our fans and give our best in every competition,” he said.
In last night’s encounter, JDT had to work hard before finally breaking the deadlock through Marcos Guilherme in the 81st minute, before Arif Aiman sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute.
The victory saw JDT become the first team to win the Malaysia Cup for four consecutive seasons while claiming their sixth overall title after previously lifting the trophy in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024-2025.
Arif Aiman, who returned to action after nearly six months out with a hamstring injury, was also named Man of the Match.
-- BERNAMA
