Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuala Lumpur: Iraq youth sensation Mohanad Abdulraheem will fight it out against Korea Republic playmaker Moon Chang-jin and Japan's Taro Sugimoto for the AFC Youth Player of the Award.
Abdulraheem and Moon have been recognised for their scintillating performances in the recently concluded AFC U-19 Championship, from which the Iraqi star emerged with the Abdullah Al Dabal 'Most Valuable Player' while Sugimoto shone at the AFC U-16 Championship where he too was named tournament MVP.
The race for the 2012 AFC Youth Player of the Year is the latest instalment in the recent rivalry between Abdulraheem and Moon following their exploits at the recently-concluded AFC U-19 Championship in the UAE.
Honours were even when the two first met as Iraq and Korea Republic drew 0-0 in their opening match before renewing acquaintances in the final.
Abdulraheem's 35th minute goal looked to have given Iraq the title before Moon equalised with virtually the last kick off the ball three minutes into second-half stoppage-time. After two goalless additional 15 minute periods the game went into penalties, with Abdulraheem missing from the spot as Korea Republic won the shootout 4-1.
Both players went into the final match on the Technical Study Group's shortlist for the MVP with Abdulraheem, who scored five times overall compared to Moon's four, getting the nod for the Abdullah Al Dabal award.
Likewise, Sugimoto took the AFC U-16 Championship by storm with his brilliant displays earning him the top individual honour at the tournament in Tehran.
The talented midfielder excelled in the four matches he played, scoring three times and playing a pivotal role to help Japan reach the final, which they ultimately lost to Uzbekistan in the penalty shootout.
The winner of the AFC Youth Player of the Year prize will be revealed at the 2012 AFC Annual Award Ceremony which will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on November 29.