Shaikh Salman praises Al Seeb Club on historic AFC Cup™ victory
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Al Seeb Club after the Omani side defeated Kuala Lumpur City FC 3-0 to clinch their maiden AFC Cup™ crown at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday.
In a captivating battle between two first-time finalists, first half goals from Ali Al Busaidi and Abdulaziz Al Maqbali put Al Seeb in control at the interval and a third from Muhsen Al Ghassani ensured the trophy remained in West Asia for the 16th time in the competition’s 18 editions.
Shaikh Salman said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to extend my wholehearted congratulations to Al Seeb Club for securing their first-ever AFC Cup™ title.
“Everyone at the club, from the officials to the backroom staff deserve praise for working tirelessly to create history and I am confident that this achievement is just a sign of more to come from Al Seeb Club in the AFC’s competitions.
“We must also commend Kuala Lumpur City FC for showcasing incredible character and team spirit to emerge as only the second Malaysian club to reach the Final.
“The AFC has outlined its Vision and Mission to ensure our teams and players continue to develop through top class competitions, and the presence of two first-time finalists in this year’s AFC Cup™ Final is testament that we are steadfast in delivering on that promise.”
The AFC Cup™ decider was a fitting swansong to the AFC’s competitions in 2022 in a year that saw the AFC deliver 10 tournaments, further underlining the Confederation’s steady recovery from the pandemic and the AFC President took a moment to praise the unity of all participating Member Associations.
“We started 2022 with cautious optimism and thanks to the solidarity and commitment of our Member Associations, clubs, players, match officials and key stakeholders, we have shown the world the solid foundations that Asian football is built upon.
“With the AFC set to introduce the newly reformed club seasons next year, I am confident Asian football will usher in greater success in the coming years,” added the AFC President.
Relive all the thrilling drama and excitement of the AFC Cup™ 2022 here.
