ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- A hat-trick by Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi powered Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to a commanding 3-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur City FC in the Super League clash at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tonight.
The sensational winger wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a strike from outside the penalty box. He doubled the lead in the 36th minute.
In the 42nd minute, Brendan Gan's handball in the penalty area, confirmed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review by referee Fitri Maskon, awarded JDT a penalty. Arif Aiman calmly converted to complete his hat-trick and secure a comfortable lead for the Southern Tigers.
Miroslav Kuljanac's men had an opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the 61st minute through Patrick Alcala Reichelt, but JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed produced a fine save.
Juan Muniz Gallego’s long-range attempt to add a fourth for JDT was thwarted by KL City FC goalkeeper Muhammad Azri AB Ghani during injury time, before the referee blew the final whistle.
-- BERNAMA
