NAFIT's Farhad Tavakoli named Most Valuable Player

Iranian Tavakoli scored a first-half equaliser before also netting from the spot after the finalists had played out an action packed 4-4 draw in the title showdown.

The number 13 scored three goals in five matches in the continental competition and, along with Iranian compatriot Ghodrat Bahadori, was instrumental in NAFIT’s march to a first ever final.

“I’m happy to win this award, but the trophy is for all the players, not just me,” said Tavakoli, who was part of the Iran side that won the AFC Futsal Championship in Uzbekistan earlier in the year.

“After Tasisat went out, I felt myself and Ghodrat Bahadori were representing Iran and we tried our best.”

Tavakoli scored his first of the tournament in the 5-1 Group C win over China’s Dalian Yuan Dynasty that saw the 2015 semi-finalists progress to the knockout stage as table-toppers.

The Iranian then starred without scoring in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Qatar’s Al-Sadd, before netting from inside his own half during a Chonburi Bluewave power-play in extra time in the semi-final as NAFIT eliminated the hosts 4-1.

His strike in the final levelled the tie up at 2-2 and was one of the goals of the tournament after he finished from close in following a wonderful give-and-go with Waleed Khalid.

“This is the first time we have been in the final and we had less experience than them,” added Tavakoli. “I think their experience helped them but that we were the better team.”

Chonburi’s Jirawat Sornwichian, meanwhile, bagged the Top Scorer award after his two goals in the 6-1 third-place playoff win over Dibba saw him move to seven goals – one ahead of Tasisat Daryaei’s Hossein Tayebi on six – to maintain his record of having scored in every game.