Exceptional 2019 whets Afif's appetite for more success

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Exceptional 2019 whets Afif's appetite for more success

Doha: As Akram Afif caps a phenomenal 12 months by appearing in the FIFA Club World Qatar, the 2019 AFC Player of the Year is already targeting more success.

Al Sadd's left winger started the year by playing an integral part in Qatar's AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 triumph, as his one goal and 10 assists helped power Felix Sanchez's squad to Continental glory with Afif's partnership with Almoez Ali a major highlight.

Afif and Kumagai claim top honours in dazzling AFC Annual Awards

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Afif and Kumagai claim top honours in dazzling AFC Annual Awards

Hong Kong: Qatar’s rising star Akram Hassan Afif and Saki Kumagai of Japan won the AFC Player of the Year Award for men and women respectively at the 2019 AFC Annual Awards in Hong Kong on Monday.

Afif burst onto the scene at the AFC Asian Cup where he was an instrumental figure in helping Qatar secure their first-ever title. His brilliance was not limited to the Continental stage after guiding Al Sadd to the AFC Champions League semi-finals by scoring five goals.

Proud Xavi hails victorious Afif

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Proud Xavi hails victorious Afif

Hong Kong: Al Sadd head coach Xavi has revealed his personal pride at seeing Qatar’s Akram Afif crowned 2019 AFC Player of the Year on Monday.

With Afif unable to attend the ceremony due to his commitments with the Qatari national team’s Gulf Cup campaign, Xavi accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony held at Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Afif received the prestigious honour after an exceptional year for both club and country, producing 10 assists to help power Qatar to the AFC Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in January, before playing a key role as Al Sadd won the Qatar Stars League and reached the AFC Champions League semi-finals.

AFC Player of the Year 2019: Akram Afif

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Player of the Year 2019: Akram Afif

Hong Kong: Akram Afif's sterling year was made even more exceptional when the Qatar international was named the AFC Player of the Year 2019 at the AFC Annual Awards on Monday. 

“I would like to thank the AFC for this award. My thanks also go out to the management of the Qatar national team, Al Sadd and Aspire Academy."

Son celebrates AFC Asian International Player of the Year award with wonder goal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Son celebrates AFC Asian International Player of the Year award with wonder goal

London: Korea Republic captain and Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min celebrated receiving the 2019 AFC Asian International Player of the Year award with an amazing solo goal against Burnley in a Premier League tie on Saturday. 

Son, winning for a record third time, received the award from Korea Republic legend Park Ji-sung and Andy Roxburgh, the AFC's Director of Technical Division at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AFC Women's Player of the Year 2019: Saki Kumagai

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC Women's Player of the Year 2019: Saki Kumagai

Hong Kong: Japan international captain Saki Kumagai was named the AFC Women's Player of the Year at the 2019 AFC Annual Awards on Monday.

“It is a great honour to receive this award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who supported me, especially my teammates in the national team and Olympique Lyonnais.

"They’ve helped me grow up as a footballer and their support has led me to this stage. This award will continue to motivate me to perform to the best of my abilities," said Kumagai.

Member Associations recognised for commitment to game

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Member Associations recognised for commitment to game

Hong Kong: Japan Football Association (JFA) was awarded the AFC Member Association of the Year 2019 - Inspiring - for the fifth time at the 2019 AFC Annual Awards on Monday.

Hong Kong Football Association LTD. (HKFA) and Guam Football Association (GFA) were honoured with the AFC Member Association of the Year 2019 Developing and Aspiring awards respectively.

The three East Asian Member Associations have made great strides in 2019 through competitive Continental matches, as well as programmes and initiatives to further spread the awareness of the game.

Chinese Football Association, Singapore Football Association and Brunei Darussalam were awarded The AFC President's Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football 2019.