BANGKOK: Omar Khribin became the first player from Syria to be named Asian Player of the Year yesterday after he won the top prize at the Asian Football Confederation’s Annual Awards in Bangkok.
The striker, 23, pipped UAE’s Omar Abdulrahman, the reigning Asian Player of the Year, and China’s Wu Lei to win the award, becoming the first player from a Saudi Arabian team to win it since Nasser Al-Shamrani lifted the title in 2014.
Khribin’s success was rich reward for a stellar year for both club and country. He only joined Al-Hilal in January, initially on loan, from the UAE’s Al-Dhafra but he wasted no time in helping the Riyadh giants to the Saudi Pro League title and to King’s Cup success.
After making that move permanent in the summer, he translated his form to the Asian Champions League where his 10 goals, including five in the two-legged semifinal with Persepolis, fired Al-Hilal to the brink of continental glory.
Khribin was also a big hit on the international scene, spearheading Syria’ unlikely run to the playoffs for next summer’s World Cup. Last month, his side lost to Asian champions Australia 3-2 on aggregate having taken the tie to extra time and captured the hearts of the sporting world.
(Withn AFP)
Hilal's Khribin wins top Asian award
Hilal's Khribin wins top Asian award
King Fahd Stadium to host 2027 Asian Cup final
- Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece
KUALA LUMPUR: Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of next year’s Asian Cup, officials announced Monday, the football showpiece seen as a precursor for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the World Cup but first will host the Asian Cup from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027.
“The King Fahd Sports City Stadium ... will provide the backdrop for both the eagerly anticipated final as well as the opening match, featuring hosts and three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia,” the AFC said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.
The 70,000-plus venue in Riyadh will also host four group stage battles, a round of 16 tie and a quarterfinal match before the final in early February, the AFC added.
Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece.
Asian Cup matches will also be played in Jeddah and Alkhobar.
Match pairings and kickoff times will be confirmed at the AFC’s final draw on April 11 in Riyadh, the AFC said.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, staged and won the Asian Cup two years ago.
The tournament was supposed to take place in China in 2023, but was moved out of the country because of the country’s COVID policies at the time.
