Defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) trounced Kaya FC 7-2 at the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium here tonight to book their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup competition.

On target for the star-studded Southern Tigers coached by Mario Gomez were hattrick hero Juan Lucero (14th, 54th and 70Th) and Azammudin Mohd Akil (33th, 39th), Jorge Pereyra Diaz (22nd- penalty) and Mahali Jasuli (68th).

The Filipino side's consolation goals were netted by Jose Elmer Porteria (53rd) and Antonio Ugarte (87th).

Though the pitch was slippery due to a downpour, JDT had little problems dominating the minnows.

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar also joined some 17,000 fans in witnessing the match.