PETALING JAYA: National footballer Arif Aiman Hanapi is just extraordinary.
That is how Hector Bidoglio described the 22-year-old phenomenal winger, who continued to produce top-quality performances for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in every competition.
The Southern Tigers extended their lead in the Super League after beating Kuala Lumpur 3-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Sunday.
Arif was the star of the show, scoring a hattrick in the 12th, 36th and 43rd minutes.
“He was extraordinary, not only because he scored a hattrick but also because he played as a team and contributed defensively,” said Bidoglio.
“I am happy to see him playing so well because I know how hard he works every day to improve his performance. Undoubtedly, he is the best player.”
His first two goals were beauties, as they were two long-range stunners that baffled Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Azri Ghani.
Arif’s first one in the 12th minute was a low-driven shot from 20 metres, but the second in the 36th was mesmerising as he took a screw shot from 30 metres, which stunned Azri.
The third was a penalty, which he calmly slotted past Azri again.
What made it more special was the fact that Arif had returned from a three-game suspension for his altercation with Perak wingback Tommy Mawat Bada in a league game last month.
With the win, the Southern Tigers now have 43 points from 15 games, a 14-point gap from second-placed Sabah.
The defending league champions will now shift their attention to the Malaysia Cup, as they will take on Kuala Lumpur again in the first-leg quarter-final at the Cheras Football Stadium on Friday.
“Considering that we will face the same opponents next, there are several aspects that need to be improved, including the finishing touch. Every opportunity needs to be converted properly, this is something that we need to improve on,” said Bidoglio.
