Msakni, coach Younes bag top honours as Al Arabi dominate QFA Awards

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Sunday, May 14th 2023 09:46 AM

Doha: Youssef Msakni was named the best player of the season while Younes Ali earned the best coach honours as newly-crowned Amir Cup champions Al Arabi dominated the Qatar Football Association’s QFA Awards today. The QFA Awards ceremony recognising the top performers of the 2022-2023 season was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, wrapping up Qatar’s hectic domestic football season. Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga, who scored 22 goals in the QNB Stars League (QSL), received the coveted Mansour Muftah Award for top scorer for second consecutive year, while rising Al Rayyan star Osama Al Tairy clinched the Best U23 Player Award.     Al Arabi, who scooped top honours yesterday, ended their season by lifting the prestigious Amir Cup after thumping Al Sadd 3-0 in the final on Friday. The Dream Team remained outstanding throughout the season, also finishing runners-up in the QSL behind Al Duhail. Msakni, who scored 13 goals in the top flight, was rewarded for his consistent performance for Al Arabi ahead of Al Sadd playmaker Akram Afif and Olunga. After receiving the Best Coach Award, Al Arabi’s Younes said the accolade was not only his achievement but a result of team effort. “I am picking this award on behalf on my team as I have not achieved this alone. My entire team deserves the credit for this award,” said Younes. Al Duhail’s Hernan Crespo and Al Wakrah’s Marquez Lopez were also shortlisted for Best Coach Award.Meanwhile, Olunga, who played key role in Al Duhail’s phenomenal season that also saw the Red Knights winning the Ooredoo Cup and Qatar Cup besides the Falcon Shield, said his aim was to keep shining for the club. QFA and Qatar Stars League President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani along with a number of guests including representatives from FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, club presidents and sports personalities attended the ceremony.