The I-League Qualifier - the first sporting event in India since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic - will feature ARA FC from Gujarat, Kolkata's Bhawanipore FC, Garhwal FC of New Delhi, FC Bengaluru United of Bengaluru and Kolkata's Mohammedan SC.

The five teams set up base in the centralised venue of Kolkata several days ago as part of the safety measures require those involved to undergo a four-day isolation period.

Among them was a young Tariq, who demonstrated an exceptional left foot, boundless energy and an ability to glide effortlessly around the pitch – all with a fierce passion to do his utmost for the national team cause.

Unbelievably, over the past eight years Tariq has participated in every tournament Iraq has taken part in, and in more than one edition of some; the AFC U-19 Championship, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Gulf Cup, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup, AFC U23 Championship, the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, as well as having professional stints with clubs in IR Iran, UAE and Egypt. All very impressive from a young man who has not yet turned 24.

The title meant Korea Republic would lead Asia's challenge in the Tokyo Olympics and it was a mission head coach Kim Hak-bum was relishing.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought the world to a screeching halt as the Tokyo Olympics, pushed to next year, was among numerous sporting events either postponed or cancelled.

The Olympique Marseille wing-back joins fellow veteran Shinji Okazaki in withdrawing from the squad after the Spain-based forward pulled out as a result of injury.

No replacements for either player have been named by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who has selected a line-up comprised solely of Europe-based players for the matches.

With the tournament having been rescheduled from last February to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic, head coach Younis Al Fahdi is determined to ensure Oman's competitive edge with the friendlies.

A domestic training camp will begin mid-October, before the squad sets up base in the United Arab Emirates, where the 18-day camp will consist matches against national teams and local clubs.

Doha: Persepolis' Shojae Khalilzadeh has been voted by the fans as the 2020 AFC Champions League Semi-final (WEST) Toyota Player of the Week.