Qatar’s achievements were the result of hard work and long-term planning, which finally paid dividends last year. This unprecedented success came as no surprise, given the excellent performances at both team and individual level. Indeed, Qatari stars claimed the individual awards at last year’s AFC Asian Cup, and their rising star, Akram Afif, was named AFC Player of the Year.

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.

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.

“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."

Akram Afif’s penalty 14 minutes from time spared Qatar’s blushes and secured all three points, but only after Omran Haydary saw his effort from the spot saved by Saad Al Sheeb in the first half in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying tie.

As a result, Qatar remain unbeaten in their first five qualifiers and sit on top of Group E with 13 points while Afghanistan remain on four points with three games left in the second phase of qualifying.

Almoez Ali sealed the win with a brilliant 72nd-minute strike, restoring Qatari’s lead after a memorable Al-Mandhar Al Alawi goal cancelled out Akram Afif’s early opener in a see-sawing and entertaining encounter.

Qatar, playing for a place in the 2023 Asian Cup with FIFA World Cup hosting rights secured, extended their Group E tally to 10 points after four matches, while Oman suffered their first defeat to remain four points behind with a game in hand.

The win takes Qatar to the top of the standings on seven points, having claimed a 6-0 win over Afghanistan on Matchday One before playing to a goalless draw against India.

It was Bangladesh's second defeat, having lost 1-0 to Afghanistan in their group opener.