ISKANDAR PUTERI, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz has welcomed the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) allowing seven previously suspended Harimau Malaya heritage players to return to action.
However, Munoz said he has not yet decided whether Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel will be included in the starting line-up for tomorrow’s ASEAN Club Championship 2025/2026 Group B match against Myanmar’s Shan United FC.
He added that the decision will depend on assessing their overall condition, including fitness, before finalising the team selection.
“This is positive for us, and we are very happy with this decision for the players.
“Now we need to decide today what the situation is for both the team and the players, and whether it is possible to include them in the match or keep them on the bench,” he said at a pre-match press conference here today.
Meanwhile, Xisco described their match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tomorrow against Shan United FC as crucial, despite their opponents currently sitting at the bottom of the standings.
He said the Southern Tigers are fully aware of Shan United’s qualities, particularly their pace in transition and defensive organisation, and therefore cannot afford to take the match lightly.
“Tomorrow will be a tough game. We want to give our best because if we take the three points, we will be very close to progressing to the next stage,” he said.
Shan United FC head coach Han Win Aung said his team is ready to face JDT, which is widely regarded as the best club in ASEAN, even though they no longer have a chance to qualify for the next round.
He added that his team will give their best and defend until the final whistle.
“We will do our best and we will try to get a good result tomorrow; we are focused on good technique, teamwork, and taking advantage of our opportunities on the pitch,” he said.
JDT are currently second in Group B, just behind Nam Dinh (Vietnam), after winning two matches and collecting seven points so far.
--BERNAMA
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