Doha: Al Rayyan forward Roger Guedes, Al Sadd star Akram Afif and Al Shamal striker Baghdad Bounedjah have been shortlisted as final nominees for the upcoming QFA Awards, it was announced on Monday.
The final list was revealed by the Qatar Football Association Awards Board of Trustees following the completion of voting, screening and approval processes. The QFA Awards ceremony will take place on May 11.
Guedes, who has already secured the Mansour Muftah Award for top scorer of the Qatar Stars League with 21 goals, played a key role in guiding Al Rayyan to third place in the top flight. He also contributed two assists and featured in all 22 league matches for the Lions, underlining his consistency throughout the season.
Akram Afif is also a strong contender for the season’s top individual honour after inspiring Al Sadd to their third consecutive QSL title. The playmaker remained central to the Wolves’ attacking structure, finishing the campaign with 14 goals and 12 assists in a standout season.
Bounedjah, meanwhile, was instrumental in Al Shamal’s impressive campaign as they secured a runner-up finish. The striker registered eight goals and four assists in 18 appearances, playing a decisive role in his team’s attacking output.
The final nominations followed a detailed voting process involving multiple stakeholders, including QSL coaches, club football managers, Qatar national team coach, Qatar Olympic team (Under-23) coach, the host broadcaster, media organisations, representatives of the QFA and QSL, as well as members of the QFA Awards Board of Trustees, Aspire Zone Foundation and Qatar Players Association.
Meanwhile, Al Shamal’s David Prats emerges as favourite for the Best Coach Award after guiding his side to a strong campaign that kept them in contention for a maiden QSL title. Roberto Mancini, who replaced Felix Sanchez in November and led Al Sadd’s turnaround this season, is among the main contenders alongside Al Rayyan coach Vicente Moreno.
In the Best Goalkeeper category, Al Sadd’s Meshaal Barsham, Al Arabi’s Jassim Al Hail and Mahmoud Abunada of Al Rayyan have emerged as final contenders.
Barsham made 72 saves and kept six clean sheets in 19 matches, delivering key performances for Al Sadd. Al Hail impressed with four clean sheets and 53 saves from 15 appearances, while Abunada featured in 19 QSL matches, recording 57 saves and also keeping four clean sheets.
The Best Under-23 Player award will also be decided at the QFA Awards, with Mubarak Shanan (Al Duhail), Ayoub Al Oui (Al Gharafa) and Mohamed Manai (Al Shamal) completing the shortlist.
