Ahmed Khalil of the United Arab Emirates was named the Asian player of the year Sunday at the AFC's annual awards function, AP reported. The 24-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Ahli, beat compatriot Omar Abdulrahman of Al-Ain and Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Zheng Zhi of China for the award, AP reported. "I've worked very hard but did not expect to win, so I thank God," Khalil said. "Winning this award is a special feeling. Everyone tries his best but at the end only one person wins." Khalil became only the third player to receive both the senior and youth awards, having also won the 2008 AFC youth player of the year prize. AFC Asian Cup winner Australia was named the national team of the year while FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up Japan won the women's team of the year award. An individual women's award will be announced later. Ange Postecoglou of Australia was voted the men's coach of the year Uzbekistan's Dostonbek Khamdamov was named the youth player of the year among men. -- SPA 19:14 LOCAL TIME 16:14 GMT تغريد
