Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: Almoez Ali's was named the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Most Valuable Player on Friday as his record nine goals helped Qatar clinch the Continental title for the first time.
Ali struck once in Qatar's 3-1 win over Japan in the final at the Zayed Sports City Stadium to also seal the Top Goalscorer award on a historic night for him and his team.
The 22-year-old Al Duhail forward scored in the 12th minute with a spectacular overhead effort that left Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda helpless.
Ali was grateful to his teammates for helping him set the record.
"I expected to score goals, but I didn’t expect to score nine, I was expecting three or four. Thankfully the team helped me score many times.
"I would have been embarrassed as a striker if I didn’t score and I managed to score nine goals in seven games," said Ali.
