Ahmed Eltigani
The Asian Football Confederation Annual Award Ceremony will commence today in Hong Kong, bringing together some of Asia’s biggest names, and will award the most outstanding players who participated in the Asian football season.
The spotlight will be on the Men’s Asian Footballer of the Year Award, which is presented to the best performing football player in Asia. On the shortlist for the prestigious award, Qatar’s forward Akram Afif has been named as a contender, along with two other players.
The 22 year-old Al Sadd forward made a name for himself after playing a pivotal role in helping Qatar win the Asian Cup earlier this year, and was rewarded for his efforts by being coined man of the match in the final. The AFC said in a statement, “Afif is arguably Asia’s brightest prospect and he burst onto the scene at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 where he produced 10 assists - the most in the tournament’s history.”
Iran Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and Japan defender Tomoaki Makino are also nominees in the three-man shortlist for the Men's Asian Footballer of the Year. Qatar top officials, including Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, will attend the ceremony. Al Sadd Coach Xavi Hernandez and Sporting Director Mohammed Gholam will also be in attendance on behalf of Al Sadd Sports Club.