TOP 10 in MENA – Page 4 – Arabian Records (1st post : Eid Al Fitr – 01st Shawwal 1439 (AH) / 15th June 2018 ) / (BETA testing – Research

TUNISIA : PARIS OLYMPICS 2024: Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi wins bronze in taekwondo at Paris 2024

The 22-year-old backs up his silver-medal winning heroics from Tokyo with more Olympic glory.

Tunisia’s Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi went through his full repertoire of tricks to seal bronze in the men’s taekwondo -58kg category at Paris 2024 on Wednesday.

Remarkably, Jendoubi, the silver medallist at the same weight from the Tokyo Games, now has two Olympic medals in his collection at just 22 years old. He also won bronze at the 2022 World Championships and is the reigning African champion.

He was denied a shot at gold – or another silver – by defeat to Park Tae-joon of South Korea in the semi-finals.

Instead, he found himself in the bronze medal match against the second seed Adrian Vicente of Spain, who had earlier beaten Palestine’s Omar Ismail in the Round of 16.

Vicente edged in front with a punch to lead 1-0, but Jendoubi responded in emphatic fashion and led for the remainder of the contest.

Two scoring head kicks, one awarded after review, along with two body kicks and a penalty saw him take the first round 11-3.

The second round was initially closer but Jendoubi edged 2-0 in front with a scoring kick to the trunk.

A head kick, followed by another scoring shot to the trunk, stretched his advantage to 7-0 and all but sealed the win.

At that point he showcased all his skills as he put on a show in the closing stages to seal a 12-1 victory in the round – and with it a bronze medal.

It was Tunisia’s second medal of these Games following fencer Fares Ferjani’s superb silver in the men’s individual sabre.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Dunya Abutaleb narrowly missed out on a historic bronze in the women’s -49kg category.

Abutaleb, who was bidding to become the Kingdom’s first ever female Olympic medallist, lost 2-0 in the bronze medal contest against Iran’s Mobina Nematzadeh.

The Iranian sneaked the first round 3-0 with a head kick with just seconds left on the clock.

Abutaleb, 27, thought she was on course to level the match but her appeal for a head kick of her own wasn’t upheld in the second round.

Nematzadeh then contorted impressively to land a scorpion kick and seal her bronze medal in style.

Earlier in the day, Palestine’s Ismail was defeated in the men’s -58kg Round of 16 – but not before pushing the experienced Vicente close.

UAE-based Ismail, who lives in Sharjah, was seconds away from taking the match into a deciding round.

After losing the first round 8-3, Ismail led the second 6-3 with 10 seconds remaining, but a head kick from Vicente in the final exchanges turned the contest back in the Spaniard’s favour.

Considering the pedigree of his opponent – Vicente won bronze at last year’s World Championships – Ismail, 18, proved he can challenge the best in the sport.

Ismail had earlier made a winning start to his campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hadi Tiranvalipour of the Refugee Olympic Team.

Ismail won the first round 4-3 to take an early lead and followed it up with a 5-0 second-round victory to book his place in the Round of 16.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

__________

Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi celebrates with his coaches after claiming a bronze medal. Getty Images

____________

TUNISIA

JORDAN: PARIS OLYMPICS 2024 : Zaid Mustafas’s first silver medal in Taekwondo at Paris Olympics

Zaid Mustafa of the national taekwondo team has clinched the silver medal in the men’s under-68 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

On Thursday evening, HRH Prince Feisal bin Hussein, president of the Jordan Olympic Committee and member of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee, presented Mustafa with his medal.

Prince Feisal congratulated Mustafa on his achievement, which was Jordan’s first medal at the Paris Games, and praised his exceptional performance throughout the competition.

Mustafa’s win adds to Jordan’s growing Olympic legacy, adding to the Kingdom’s previous gold, silver and bronze medals from the last three Olympiads.

source/content: jordantimes.com (headlines edited)

___________

Mustafa’s win adds to Jordan’s growing Olympic legacy (Petra photo)

___________

JORDAN

MOROCCAN Noor Slaoui: 1st Arab woman to represent MENA in equestrian sports at Paris 2024 Olympics

Noor Slaoui, a 29-year-old Moroccan, has become the first Arab female equestrian to represent Africa and the Middle East after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, it was announced on Wednesday.

The professional rider has officially qualified for the Olympics, becoming one of two representatives from Africa and the Middle East, a media statement said.

Slaoui’s journey to this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in her career and for the region’s equestrian sports.

The 29-year-old is dedicated to promoting the development of equestrian sports in the MENA region, with the aim of inspiring greater representation in the coming years.

“I am honored and excited to represent my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This journey has been a testament to the dedication and support of my team and the incredible bond with my horses,” she said.

Slaoui said that she looked forward to challenging herself and showcasing the talent from the MENA region on the Olympic stage.
“While medals are a goal, my focus is on building a strong foundation for success in the years to come,” she said.

Her passion for horses began in childhood while exploring Morocco’s landscape on horseback. This early love of animals and nature evolved into a dream of making a career of her equestrian interests.

After attaining her baccalaureate at 18, Slaoui took a gap year and moved to France. She earned her riding instructor certification at the National Riding School in Saumur, setting her on the path to equestrian sports and competition.

Later, she moved to the UK to pursue her journey and studied political science at the University of Warwick. It was during that time that when she discovered eventing, often described as the “triathlon of equestrian sports.”

Working with professional riders to refine her skills, the Moroccan managed to balance her practical experience and academic studies.

After meeting her coach and business partner, Deborah Fellous, on graduation they launched her professional riding career, representing group F — “Africa & Middle East” — on the international stage.

Currently, they manage a professional yard in England, home to 17 horses, dedicated to breeding, training and preparing them for top-tier competitions.

Over the past seven years, Slaoui has achieved several notable milestones, becoming the first Moroccan female rider to compete internationally in eventing, and representing the MENA region at the World Championships for Young Horses in 2022 and 2023.

She also participated in Nations Cup events and secured top 10 finishes in 4-star competitions.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

__________

Noor Slaoui, a 29-year-old Moroccan, has become the first Arab female equestrian to represent Africa and the Middle East after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Supplied)

_____________

MOROCCO

ALGERIA : PARIS OLYMPICS 2024 : Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif clinches medal at Paris Olympics 2024 after gender outcry

Khelif defeated Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary 5:0 in the quarterfinals of the women’s 66-kilogram bout
She will win at least a bronze medal after defeating Hamori for the second victory of her tumultuous second trip to the Olympics

Boxer Imane Khelif of Algeria clinched a medal Saturday at the Paris Olympics following days of sharp scrutiny and online abuse as misconceptions about her gender have exploded into a larger clash about identity in sports.

Khelif defeated Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary 5:0 in the quarterfinals of the women’s 66-kilogram bout.

Khelif will win at least a bronze medal after defeating Hamori for the second victory of her tumultuous second trip to the Olympics.

Khelif was faced international scrutiny after the banned International Boxing Association claimed Khelif failed an unspecified eligibility test for women’s competition last year. She then won her opening bout Thursday when opponent Angela Carini of Italy tearfully abandoned the fight after just 46 seconds.

The unusual ending became a sharp wedge to drive into an already prominent divide over gender identity and regulations in sports, drawing comments from the likes of former US President Donald Trump, “Harry Potter” writer J.K. Rowling and others falsely claiming Khelif was a man or transgender.

At a Paris Games that has championed inclusion and seen other outcry over an opening ceremony performance featuring drag queens, LGBTQ+ groups say the hateful comments could pose dangers to their community and female athletes.
IOC President Thomas Bach on Saturday defended Khelif and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan. Khelif and Lin were disqualified in the middle of last year’s world championships by the International Boxing Association, the now-banned former governing body of Olympic boxing, after what it claimed were failed eligibility tests for the women’s competition.

Both had competed in IBA events for several years without problems, and the Russian-dominated body — which has faced years of clashes with the IOC over judging scandals, leadership decisions and financial issues — has refused to provide any information about the tests, underscoring its lack of transparency in nearly every aspect of its dealings, particularly in recent years.

“Let’s be very clear here: We are talking about women’s boxing,” Bach said Saturday. “We have two boxers who are born as a woman, who have been raised a woman, who have a passport as a woman, and who have competed for many years as women. And this is the clear definition of a woman. There was never any doubt about them being a woman.”

The IBA, which received the unprecedented punishment of being banned from Olympic participation in 2019 following years of conflict with the IOC, disqualified Khelif last year for what it said were elevated levels of testosterone.

The IBA, which is led by an acquaintance of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not released more details on the tests, calling the process confidential.

“What we see now is that some want to own the definition of who is a woman,” Bach added. “And there I can only invite them to come up with a scientific-based new definition of who is a woman, and how can somebody being born, raised, competed and having a passport as a woman cannot be considered a woman?

“If they are coming up with something, we are ready to listen,” Bach added. “We are ready to look into it, but we will not take part in a sometimes politically motivated cultural war.”

Khelif will clinch at least a bronze medal in her second Olympics after failing to medal at the Tokyo Games held in 2021.

Khelif will face Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the 66-kg semifinals on Tuesday at Roland Garros. Suwannpheng, a silver medalist at last year’s world championships, upset defending Olympic champion Busenaz Surmeneli a few minutes before Khelif’s victory.

Lin, also a two-time Olympian, will clinch her first medal Sunday if she beats Svetlana Staneva of Bulgaria. Lin won her opening bout Friday comfortably over Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova.

Amid the scrutiny, both Khelif and Lin have received only cheers from the crowds at North Paris Arena.

“What is going on in this context in the social media, with all this hate speech, with all this aggression and abuse, and fueled by this agenda, is totally unacceptable,” Bach said.

The reduced field at the Paris Olympics boxing tournament — which has the fewest number of total boxers since 1956 — means that many fighters can clinch medals with just two victories. Boxing awards two bronze medals in each weight class, which means every semifinalist wins a medal.

The Olympic sport reached gender parity for the first time in Paris, inviting 124 men and 124 women just 12 years after women’s boxing made its Olympic debut.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

_________

____________

ALGERIA

PALESTINE’s First ever Olympian Majed Abu Maraheel dies in Gaza from lack of treatment due to Israel’s war

Palestine’s first ever Olympian dies in Gaza from lack of treatment due to Israel’s war.

The first Palestinian athlete to participate in the Olympic games died on Wednesday at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza as a result of kidney failure due to power outages and medical shortages as a result of the ongoing Israeli war and siege of the enclave.

Majed Abu Maraheel, who passed away at the age of 61, became the first athlete to be the flag bearer and represent Palestinians at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. Being a distance runner, he competed in the 10km race.

Since his breakthrough on the world stage, more than 20 Palestinian men and women have been able to compete at Olympic competitions.

“He was a Palestinian icon, and he will remain as such,” his brother told Paltoday TV after the funeral.

“We tried to evacuate him to Egypt but then the Rafah crossing was closed (by Israel), and his condition kept deteriorating.”

In his preparation for the Olympics, Abu Maraheel would often be seen on his daily runs from his home in Gaza to the Erez Crossing with Israel, which Israel closed in October after imposing a full blockade on the Strip. Last month, it was reopened for the first time since then.

He would often have to pass through that crossing for his job as a day labourer in Israel.

After participating in the Olympics, Abu Maraheel went on to become a coach for other Palestinian runners hoping to replicate his presence at the international competition.

He went on to coach Nader el-Masri, another Palestinian from Gaza who competed in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.

Abu Maraheel’s death highlights the grim fate of many Palestinians who are facing kidney failure in Gaza.

A report from the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in March found that there were between 1,000 to 1,500 patients in Gaza with kidney failure, and that they are facing a “slow death” because of “a lack of medical and therapeutic services, medications and other necessities”.

Since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October, Israeli forces have launched a full siege on the enclave. In addition to killing more than 37,000 Palestinians, they have repeatedly targeted and attacked Gaza’s hospitals and healthcare infrastructure.

A report late last month by the Washington Post said that only four of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have not been damaged by munitions or been raided by Israeli forces.

However, the lack of supplies in the area because of Israel’s blockade has further exacerbated the situation.

Israel denies blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, though aid agencies say they are not able to get aid in because of Israeli restrictions.

source/content: middleeasteye.net (headline edited)

______________

Majed Abu Maraheel became the first athlete to represent Palestinians at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 (X)

_____________

PALESTINE

SAUDI ARABIA: WORLD RECORD: Breaking Barriers: 23-year old Reem Al Aboud and Formula E Set an FIA Single-Seater Benchmark breaking World Record

This January, Saudi racer Reem Al Aboud set a new acceleration benchmark for an FIA single-seater by reaching 0-60mph in 2.49 seconds in an ABB FIA Formula E GENBETA car. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we reflect on the implications of this achievement for motorsport.

Every Federation Internationale de l’Automobile-sanctioned single-seater championship race begins with a standing start. The lights at the starting line flash on, and flash off. Idle cars roar to life, accelerating through the straight and into the waiting corner.

How quickly these cars can accelerate depends on the series. F1 Academy goes from zero to 60mph in approximately 3.6 seconds. Formula 3 and Formula 2 manage in 3.1 and 2.9, respectively. Formula E’s GEN3 car takes 2.8. The current Formula 1 car takes 2.64.

But F1’s 2.64 seconds is no longer the benchmark. Now, Formula E’s newly developed GENBETA car holds the title — and with a woman in the cockpit.

Last July, Formula E unveiled its GENBETA prototype at the ExCeL London. While testing the car, World Champion Jake Hughes clinched a top speed of 218.71km/h, smashing the Guinness World Record for fastest speed indoors by more than 50km/h.

Having designated GENBETA as its development platform, Formula E sought to explore the model’s potential and performance further. The series set its sights on setting a second benchmark: the time an FIA single-seater takes to reach 0-60mph.

Yet in chasing after the F1 benchmark, Formula E was not content with breaking only technological and physical barriers. So, to honour its founding commitment to social progress, it added motorsport’s longstanding gender barrier as yet another to break.

Accordingly, Formula E tapped 23-year-old Saudi female racer Reem Al Aboud to take the GENBETA’s driver seat. The 2023 Saudi Toyota Ladies Cup Champion has partnered with the series since 2018, when she became the first Saudi woman to test a Formula E car.

Experienced in driving GEN2 and GEN3 cars — plus breaking barriers across karting, hillclimbing and autocross series — Reem was Formula E’s choice for a 2024 FIA Girls on Track Ambassador. Naturally, she was their choice for the GENBETA test as well.

And that choice certainly paid off. This January at Dirab Motor Park, Reem’s GENBETA car achieved 0-60mph in 2.49 seconds — besting F1’s by 0.15 seconds.

Of course, the technological aspect of the January test is remarkable. Behind GENBETA’s new benchmark is its front powertrain kit, which previous Formula E models (and other road electric vehicles) only use for energy harvesting. However, GENBETA also turns on this kit for greater traction during acceleration, using it to produce 536 horsepower that will launch the car into action. Instant torque allows for instant acceleration and thus a 2.49-second 0-60mph time.

What’s also remarkable is that a woman is the face of this test.

After all, motorsport’s gender barrier is cyclical. Doubt that female drivers can perform on par with their male counterparts dominates the sport. Doubtful investors shy away from funding young female drivers. Underfunded female drivers can’t enter, remain and progress through racing series. Series sorely lack female representation — when representation is what validates the reality that women can indeed perform. That lack of validation perpetuates the doubt about female drivers. And so, the cycle continues.

But Reem’s benchmark throws a wrench into this cycle by tackling the doubt head-on. She reaffirms that when women are given the time on track they are so often denied, they can excel. That when women are included in the conversation, they can contribute to the technological developments that push this sport forward. That when this sport values women, women can bring equal — if not more — value to the sport in turn.

As the face of this test, Reem represents the generations of women who have been denied from motorsport on the basis of their gender. Of women who challenge prejudice in cockpits, paddocks and audiences. Of girls who see Reem on their screens and wonder if they, too, can wrestle state-of-the-art cars at inhuman speeds.

Reem breaks the cycle by showing them that they can, and that they should.

In doing so, she and Formula E bring motorsport a step closer to a new era. One where women are no longer the exception, but the standard.

source/content: femalesinmotorsport.com (headline edited)

__________

_________________

SAUDI ARABIA

ALGERIA: Hassiba Boulmerka: The trailblazing Algerian star who defied death threats to win Olympic gold

The former Algerian middle-distance runner won her country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. She navigated a deadly and divisive political crisis within her nation to emerge as “a symbol of victory and defiance”.

Hassiba Boulmerka and her family received death threats, and she was even denounced as anti-Islam at her local mosque.

However, in her home country of Algeria, there was no safe space for her to run.

The world 1500m world champion feared that radical Islamist militants would kill her, and the surrounding atmosphere was equally terrifying.

But despite the risks, the ‘Constantine Gazelle’ continued to train, running even faster and defying the threats to her life.

A year after clinching the first of her two world titles, she made history at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, winning the first Olympic gold for Algeria .

Hassiba Boulmerka: Africa’s first world track champion

Running had been Boulmerka’s way of life since the age of 10.

Growing up in Constantine, in the east of Algeria, she gained recognition for her speed and stamina, which led her to claim four African gold medals in the 800m and 1500m.

Two years after her double triumph at the continental championships, she stunned the field, sprinting to the lead in the homestretch of the 1500m race to clinch the gold.

It was a glorious moment for Boulmerka, as she became the first African woman to earn a World Championships title.

“I screamed for joy and for shock, and for much more,” she said. “I was screaming for Algeria’s pride and Algeria’s history, and still more.”

Her triumph was significant, symbolising progress for Algerian sport and Arab women.

Despite the heroic reception that awaited her and her teammates upon their return from the 1991 World Championships, her running didn’t quite resonate with everyone.

Her sporting endeavours continued to be frowned upon.

Training and competing meant exposing her arms and legs, which was perceived as not adhering to Islam’s code of modesty.

Hassiba Boulmerka was labelled ‘anti-Muslim’ for choosing to run

Boulmerka pressed ahead, enduring the criticism.

She faced hostility, being spat on and having to dodge stones thrown at her while training on Algerian roads.

In a matter of months, her hopes and dreams of participating in the Olympics started to fade as her country was plunged into civil unrest, resulting in over 150,000 lives lost.

Training became not only impossible but also dangerous during the crisis, with Islamist militants seeking to impose oppressive rule.

She was forced to relocate to Berlin to train ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games.

“I remember it well,” she recalled in an interview with the BBC. “It was Friday prayers at our local mosque, and the imam said that I was not a Muslim, because I had run in shorts, shown my arms and my legs. He said I was anti-Muslim.”

When she arrived in Barcelona just before her event, Boulmerka was accompanied by armed escorts into the stadium, highlighting the unprecedented security measures.

“There were police everywhere. In the stadium, in the changing rooms – they even came with me to the bathroom!” she said.

Despite these challenges, the ‘Constantine Gazelle’, as she was affectionately dubbed for her agile and graceful running style, defied the odds and her performance at the Estádio Olímpico was remarkable.

Hassiba Boulmerka: A heroine for women in sport

The Unified Team’s Lyudmila Rogacheva set the pace for most of the 1500m race before the Algerian powered past her with half a lap to go, securing her greatest career victory. Her time of three minutes, 55.30 seconds earned her the Olympic gold medal, marking the second time second time an Arab woman had stood atop the Games podium (after Morocco’s Nawal El-Moutawakel at Los Angeles 1984).

It was a beautiful ending after months of navigating political challenges – an example of ‘courage in defying taboos and pursuing passion’.

“As I crossed the line, I thrust a fist into the air. It was a symbol of victory, of defiance. It was to say: ‘I did it! I won! And now, if you kill me, it’ll be too late. I’ve made history!'”

As Boulmerka stood on the podium, feeling the weight of the medal around her neck, she was overwhelmed by emotions.

“I tried to hold myself together, to be brave…but the tears just started to fall. They were tears of sacrifice, for all the people I loved that I had abandoned for this race.

“It was a triumph for women all over the world to stand up to their enemies. That’s what made me really proud.”

There was no fanfare when the two-time Olympian returned home to reunite with her family.

Algeria was still far away from the end of its dark period, prompting he exile in Cuba before she returned to Algeria after recapturing the gold medal at the 1995 World Championships.

Her medals stand as a testament to her courage, and Hassiba Boulmerka continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for women in sport.

source/content: olympics.com (headline edited)

___________

(Getty Images)

____________

ALGERIA

MOROCCO: Impressive Ayoub El Kaabi Etches Name in African Football History Books

After a few anonymous years in the Chinese Super League, El Kaabi’s 2023 transfer to Olympiacos is quickly proving to be a game-changer.

Rabat-Olympiacos’s prolific Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi has made history in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League season.

At 30 years old, the Moroccan has become the first African player to score an impressive 15 goals in a single European campaign, far surpassing legends like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Mohamed Salah.

The Atlas Lion’s journey to this remarkable achievement is a tale of inspiration and dedication. Born in Casablanca in 1993, he began his football career in the Moroccan amateur league, showcasing his talent with clubs such as Racing AC, RS Berkane, and Wydad AC.

His standout performances domestically earned him a spot in the Moroccan national team, where he excelled, winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2018 and 2020 while clinching the titles of top scorer and best player in both tournaments.

After a few anonymous years in the Chinese Super League, El Kaabi’s 2023 transfer to Olympiacos is quickly proving to be a game-changer. His impact has been immediate and decisive for the Greek club, with his bagful of goals playing a pivotal role in guiding the team to the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Notably, he scored five crucial goals in the two legs against Aston Villa in the semi-finals, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to shine on the grandest stages.

Ayoub’s achievement stands out even more when compared to the performances of other African football stars in European competitions.

Surpassing the likes of Didier Drogba and Sebastien Haller, as well as outshining Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, the Moroccan striker’s 15-goal tally in a single European campaign is a testament to his exceptional skills and prowess as a striker.

This historic campaign has solidified El Kaabi’s position as one of the most prominent strikers in Moroccan and African football. His journey from grassroots football to the pinnacle of European competition exemplifies his unwavering determination, hard work, and natural talent.

As he leads Olympiacos into the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, El Kaabi has the opportunity to script another chapter in his extraordinary story, inspiring a new generation of Moroccan and African footballers with his remarkable achievements on the pitch.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

_____________

Olympiacos Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi

_____________

MOROCCO

SOMALI President Commends Runner Abdillahi Jama Mohamed for Historic Silver Medal Victory at ‘African Nations General Games’ 2024

In a proud moment for Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Abdullahi Jama Mohamed at the National Presidency. The young athlete clinched the silver medal in the 5000m race at the African Nations General Games, marking a significant achievement for the nation on the continental stage.

President Mohamud lauded Abdullahi’s performance, celebrating it as a historic victory that not only brings honor to Somalia but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the country’s athletes and the youth. The President’s acknowledgment of Abdullahi’s dedication and success underscores the importance of sports as a unifying and uplifting force in Somalia.

Abdullahi’s triumph is seen as a testament to the potential and spirit of Somali sports, encouraging young athletes to aspire to greatness and compete on the global arena. This event is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of representing one’s country with pride and excellence.

source/content: sonna.so (headline edited)

_________

____________

SOMALIA

SOMALIA’s Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq propelled Qatar to Asian Cup success

Somali-origin players Afif and Abdirisaq play pivotal roles in leading Qatar to victory in the AFC Asian Cup.

On Saturday, February 11, 2024, the football world turned its eyes towards a historic clash that would etch the names of Akram Hassan Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq into the records of the AFC Asian Cup lore.

In a match that was anything but ordinary, Qatar’s national team, buoyed by the exceptional talent of its Somali-origin stars clinched their second successive victory in the tournament by overcoming Jordan with a decisive 3-1 win.

Qatar’s triumph was heralded by the remarkable performances of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq, whose origins trace back to Somalia, showcasing the diverse and rich talent pool contributing to Qatar’s footballing success.

Akram Hassan Afif emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, remarkably netting three penalty goals in the final match.

His prowess on the field and his unique celebration, holding up a letter ‘S’ in honor of his Kuwaiti wife watching from the stands, captured the hearts of fans and ignited discussions across social media platforms.

Afif’s journey from the streets of Doha to becoming a footballing icon is a narrative of determination, skill, and the love for the game.

Yusuf Abdirisaq, on the other hand, fortified Qatar’s defense with his agility and keen sense of play.

Born in Hargeisa, Yusuf’s path to footballing stardom is a tale of resilience and adaptation. Representing Qatar on the international stage, Yusuf’s performance in the Asian Cup final was a clear demonstration of his defensive prowess and his significant role in the team’s success.

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions as three penalties were awarded, leading Qatar to victory.

Despite the debates, the focus remained on the skillful play and strategic acumen displayed by the Qatari team, particularly its Somali stars.

The Arab media and international press were lavish in their praise for Qatar’s achievement, with special emphasis on Afif’s scoring feat and Abdirisaq’s defensive mastery.

Their stories of personal and professional triumph resonated well beyond the football pitch, inspiring many young athletes around the world.

Off the field, both players have faced their share of challenges and controversies, such as Abdirisaq’s alleged racial abuse incident, which he and the Qatar Football Association strongly refuted.

Akram Afif, the son of a former Somali national team player, has football in his blood. His journey from Qatar’s youth leagues to becoming a key player for Al Sadd, and on loan from Villarreal, is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring footballers in the Arab world and beyond.

Yusuf Abdirisaq’s story is equally compelling, showcasing the potential for football to change lives and transcend borders. From his early days at Al Sadd SC to his loan at Al-Arabi SC and back, Yusuf’s career trajectory highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by players of diverse backgrounds in the world of professional football.

As Qatar celebrates its second consecutive AFC Asian Cup victory, the contributions of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq will be remembered as pivotal to this historic achievement.

Their talent, perseverance, and dedication have not only led their team to glory but have also served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sport.

source/content: pulsesports.co.ke (headline edited)

_________

_____________

SOMALIA