Southeast Asia

2018 AFF Cup – Football Tribe Awards

By: , December 19, 2018 2:26 pm
Credit – Zing

As we have reached the conclusion of the 2018 AFF Cup, it is time to look back and recognise the individuals who made this tournament a spectacle to behold.

Best Fans - Malaysia

Football would be woefully incomplete without the committed supporters that back their team and push them to greater heights. And while the atmosphere generated by Vietnamese supporters at the My Dinh Stadium was great, and the parties on the streets of Hanoi uniquely memorable, nothing can quite beat out the atmosphere generated at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Malaysia accomplished truly excellent feats in the cauldron of noise in front of their ferocious support. A victory during a crunch-time group-stage match against Myanmar was followed up by a dominating display over Thailand. Their two-goal comeback against Vietnam to give them a lifeline in the final was also inspired by their ferocious support, who played a key role in getting this unfavored Malaysia team to come so close to achieving greatness.

Best Young Player - Nguyen Quang Hai

There can be little argument that Nguyen Quang Hai was one of the most impressive players at the tournament, let alone young player. He confidently bossed the midfield for his side, and consistently showed the depths of his exciting talent. Many see him as a successor to Chanathip Songkrasin as the region's greatest prospect, and the future could hold many great things for the 21-year-old.

Honorable mentions include Malaysian right-back Syahmi Safari, Filipino central-midfielder John-Patrick Strauss, Thai forward Supachai Jaided, and Singaporean striker Ikhsan Fandi.

Best Old Player - Nguyen Anh Duc

Another Vietnamese award winner, but once again a deserving recipient of this award. Joining the national team setup two years after Vietnam's only prior AFF Cup triumph, 33-year-old Nguyen Anh Duc finally lifted the trophy after eight years of service for the national team. He finished as his nation's top scorer, and even scored the only goal of the second leg of the final against Malaysia to ultimately seal the title.

Narrowly missing out is Malaysian striker Norshahrul Idlan Tahala, who helped his side out of a number of difficult situations during the tournament with his commitment, mentality and excellent eye for goal.

Best Coach - Park Hang-Seo

It is no surprise that the competition's winner should be recognised for this award, but Park Hang-Seo truly staked his claim as a mastermind of the beautiful game. After leading Vietnam to the semi-finals of the 2018 Asian Games, his project with the Golden Dragons has now bought him regional success. The experienced Korean boss is having a renaissance in South-East Asia, and, if he continues on this same path, may be remembered as one of the greatest heroes of Vietnamese football.

Losing finalist Tan Cheng Hoe also deserves a mention, after taking Malaysia to an unlikely appearance in the final, and playing expansive, possession-based football which bodes will for the future of Malaysia. Lastly, despite not qualifying for the knockout stages, Antoine Hey came close to pulling off an impressive upset with Myanmar.

Best Goal - Rufino Gama vs Indonesia

Having never scored against Indonesia in a competitive football match before, Timor Leste had a mountain to climb after their 7-0 demolition at the hands of Thailand on the opening day. Most expected the minnows to leave the competition with a whimper, giving them no chance in the game against their illustrious neighbours.

However, young striker Rufino Gama would have something to say on the matter, scoring an absolutely staggering goal minutes after half time, to send the home supporters in to a state of shock. While Indonesia ultimately recovered and managed a 3-1 victory, this goal is the high-mark of football in Timor Leste, and the goal itself as a beauty to behold.

Watch Rufino Gama's goal here

Best Match - Thailand 2-2 Malaysia

While this might not make for great viewing for Thailand fans, the 2-2 draw at the Rajamangala Stadium which ultimately led to their elimination is truly a classic to behold.

After holding Malaysia to a 0-0 draw at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, it looked like plain sailing for Thailand at a stadium where they have so rarely struggled. Things got even better when Irfan Zakaria's own-goal put the side ahead after just 21 minutes. However, Syahmi Safari's wonder-goal established parity for the visitors, sending them through on away goals.

The second half proceeded in much the same way, with Norshahrul forced to find the second equaliser after Pansa Hemviboon established a 2-1 lead. Thailand were given a lifeline when they were awarded a 94th minute penalty, but Adisak Kraisorn ultimately sent the shot miles over and into the stands, securing progression for Harimau Malaya in the most dramatic way possible.

Watch the highlights for this memorable encounter here

Best Fans - Malaysia

Football would be woefully incomplete without the committed supporters that back their team and push them to greater heights. And while the atmosphere generated by Vietnamese supporters at the My Dinh Stadium was great, and the parties on the streets of Hanoi uniquely memorable, nothing can quite beat out the atmosphere generated at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Malaysia accomplished truly excellent feats in the cauldron of noise in front of their ferocious support. A victory during a crunch-time group-stage match against Myanmar was followed up by a dominating display over Thailand. Their two-goal comeback against Vietnam to give them a lifeline in the final was also inspired by their ferocious support, who played a key role in getting this unfavored Malaysia team to come so close to achieving greatness.

Best Young Player - Nguyen Quang Hai

There can be little argument that Nguyen Quang Hai was one of the most impressive players at the tournament, let alone young player. He confidently bossed the midfield for his side, and consistently showed the depths of his exciting talent. Many see him as a successor to Chanathip Songkrasin as the region's greatest prospect, and the future could hold many great things for the 21-year-old.

Honorable mentions include Malaysian right-back Syahmi Safari, Filipino central-midfielder John-Patrick Strauss, Thai forward Supachai Jaided, and Singaporean striker Ikhsan Fandi.

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