Deadly strike: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi (right) scoring past Selangor goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid during the FA Cup semi-final match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Esteban Solari hailed “fantastic” Arif Aiman Hanapi and believes the sky is the limit for the winger who scored a hattrick against Selangor in the FA Cup semi-final at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Monday.
JDT secured a 4-0 win over Selangor where Arif scored in the 20th, 33rd and 38th minutes while experienced Fernando Forestieri scored the fourth goal in the 47th minute to continue his team’s dominance this season.
Solari, who called Arif a “genius”, believes the player has all the qualities to achieve greatness and needs to dictate his own growth in his career.
“Arif is a genius, and I believe he has all the tools to achieve greatness. He has the ability to grow as much as he wants,” said Solari.
“He has great character, works hard, always wants to improve and he has the desire to become a greater player and is still improving. “Arif was fantastic today (Monday). He read the game well, he knew where to run and when to run and scored fantastic goals.
“During half-time, I told him that he can continue playing like this and show everyone how great he is, not just attacking but defending and playing in different positions and show how good a team player he is.”
Forward Diogo Santo is another player who received special mention from Solari as the player contributed greatly to the team’s win despite not being able to score.
“Diogo is a quality player and he plays for the team and he is a provider and helps us to set up goals and he helped us a lot,” added Solari. “All the players want to be given a chance to play and when they get it, they prove it on the pitch. Diogo is a good example of what he can do when he is given the opportunity.”
Despite the comfortable win, Solari said it was never easy as Selangor fought hard but JDT’s defence remained solid to keep the visitors at bay.
“It’s a tough game from the beginning as Selangor had the character and came out to press us. But it was not just about our goals but also how we defended and did not concede any goals,” added Solari.
“The fans may have other views. Selangor kept piling on the pressure but the credit should go to our defence who remained solid.”
Solari’s JDT, unbeaten this season, will play Kuala Lumpur in the final on July 22 after the City Boys overcame Terengganu on penalties (4-2) away after being tied 0-0 in Kuala Terengganu on Sunday.
