GUANGZHOU, CHINA // Cosmin Olaroiu has backed Ahmed Khalil’s nomination for AFC Asian player of the year after the Al Ahli striker was one of two Emiratis to make the three-man shortlist.
The candidates for Asian football’s most coveted individual award were announced Wednesday, with Khalil up against compatriot Omar Abdulrahman and Zheng Zhi, the Guangzhou Evergrande captain.
Ahli and Guangzhou face off in the Asian Champions League final second leg in China on Saturday, with the tie at 0-0 following the initial fixture in Dubai two weeks ago.
Speaking ahead of the match, Olaroiu praised Khalil for his past perseverance, since last season the forward was used primarily as a substitute. This year, though, he has regularly captained the side, while he has played an integral role in Ahli’s run to the final. At present, he is the 2015 tournament’s joint-second top scorer, with six goals.
“We are very happy for Ahmed Khalil,” Olaroiu said. “He stayed a lot on the bench, suffering a lot. When he got his chance, he proved himself. He’s done a good job and deserves to be here.
“I hope tomorrow he plays in way to help him get the best player award. But for us and me, most important is the team. We do not look for individuals. We think about Ahmed after the game.”
Should Khalil win the award, he would become the first Emirati to do so. It would also complete a significant double for the UAE frontman, after Khalil was voted the continent’s best young player in 2008. The award ceremony takes place in New Delhi on November 29.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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