LONDON: The tears that rolled down the cheeks of Al-Hilal’s Syrian striker Omar Khribin at full time on Saturday night should be replaced by smiles of joy this week when he, in all likelihood, is named the Asian Footballer of the Year at the AFC Annual Awards in Bangkok tomorrow.
Khribin was inconsolable as the seconds ticked down at Saitama Stadium, having been substituted early after picking up a knock, unable to help the Riyadh giants win their first continental crown since 2000.
It’s been a tough few months for the Syrian superstar: His national team were knocked out of World Cup qualifying in heartbreaking circumstances, losing to Australia in extra-time last month.
But when the dust settles on the year, and as Asia’s elite gathers in Thailand to honor the continent’s finest, Khribin and the rest of his Syrian team-mates can look back at 2017 as a remarkable one — one in which they soared to heights previously unthinkable for a country decimated by a long-running war.
Little was expected of Syria when they entered World Cup qualifying back in 2015. Finishing second in Group E behind Japan in the second round was an achievement in itself.
Very few could have expected what was to come next for the Qasioun Eagles. After starting slowly, with only one win in their first five matches, a place in the playoffs, let alone the World Cup itself, looked a million miles away.
But as the calendar ticked over into 2017, something changed. A 1-0 win at “home” — home being Melaka in Mayalsia — against Uzbekistan got the year off on the right foot. That win came courtesy of a 91st-minute goal from Khribin.
Late goals became a hallmark of their success, with a 93rd-minute goal from Ahmad Al-Salih earning a valuable 2-2 draw with China in June, while Mahmoud Al-Mawas’ 95th-minute goal sealed all three points against Qatar.
But it was Omar Al-Somah’s late, late goal in Tehran, where Iran had won their previous nine matches in qualifying dating back to 2013, in the final match that will live long in the memory.
Needing at least a draw to advance to the playoff against Australia, Syria took an early lead through Tamer Hajj Mohamad before two goals from Sardar Azmoun either side of half time looked to have killed off their chances. But Al-Somah’s strike catapulted Syrian football to international stardom, with fans across the world buying into the “miracle” of the Syrian story.
While it wasn’t to be, they can now look ahead to the Asian Cup in the UAE in just over a year with improved confidence and should fancy their chances of getting out of the group stage for the first time in their history.
If Khribin and Al-Somah can continue their rich vein of form Syria will head into the tournament as a genuine contender.
At club level, it was also a case of so close, yet so far for Syrian teams as in the AFC Cup Al-Wahda were 10 seconds away from a place in the final before a late goal from Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya cruelly ended their dream.
As it was for the national team, and for Khribin’s Al-Hilal, it was a heartbreaking end to a campaign that had showed so much promise.
But despite that it’s been a year where we have seen the resurgence of Syrian football. Khribin, the AFC Champions League Golden Boot winner with 10 goals, should at least cap his year with the highest individual accolade in Asia this week.
Nothing will replace the tears and hurt of this year’s near-misses but being named as Asia’s best footballer is at least personal recognition for what has been a remarkable year for himself and his country.
Classy Khribin deserves AFC award
Classy Khribin deserves AFC award
Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen head star-packed AFCON last-16 cast
- A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco
RABAT: A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.
Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favorites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.
Senegal v Sudan
Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been among the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are among the favorites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.
Mali v Tunisia
“If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws. Tunisia did well to hold Morocco, but were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalising.
Morocco v Tanzania
A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.
Egypt v Benin
Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa to win Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.
Nigeria v Mozambique
Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).
Algeria v DR Congo
The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches — Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Ivory Coast share a border in west Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now face impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
