Iran’s Mokhtari wins MVP and Top Scorer accolades

AFC – KUALA TERENGGANU, Islamic Republic of Iran talisman Mohammadali Mokhtari has been crowned the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer following the conclusion of the AFC Beach Soccer Championship Malaysia 2017 in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.

Twenty-six-year-old Mokhtari scored a total of 12 goals, including two in the final against the United Arab Emirates, a double in Iran’s semi-final defeat of Japan, a whopping four against hosts Malaysia in their campaign opener, three against China and one in his side’s win over Bahrain.

“This is a very exciting moment both for me and my team to win all these awards,” said the Iran number nine. “These were achieved not through my efforts alone but through the hard work of the whole squad.

“But the most important thing was to win the championship and going forward to prepare for the World Cup, which definitely will be a different tournament from the Asian championship. I’ll give my best and do even better in the World Cup.”

Iran, who defeated the UAE 7-2 in the final, also grabbed the Fair Play award at the tournament.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Champions: Islamic Republic of Iran
Runners-up: United Arab Emirates
Third-place: Japan
MVP: Mohammadali Mokhtari (Islamic Republic of Iran – 12 goals)
Top Scorer: Mohammadali Mokhtari
Fair Play: Islamic Republic of Iran

Photo: AFC