Gurbanov wins Azeri honour
Friday, December 12, 2003
Article summary
Gurban Gurbanov has been named Azerbaijan's Player of the Year by journalists, coaches and referees.
Article body
International class
The 31-year-old forward beat Kiamal Guliev and Tarlan Ahmedov to the award despite a quiet domestic season with Russian club FC Volgar-Gazprom Astrakhan. But it was his international performances with the Azerbaijan national team that made him the outstanding candidate.
Double strike
In February, Gurbanov's double strike helped his country draw 2-2 with Serbia and Montenegro in a UEFA European Championship qualifier. In June, he was on target again in a 2-1 victory against the same opponents.
Leading scorer
Gurbanov is now Azerbaijan's all-time leading scorer with nine goals in 47 matches. "This is the first time I have been honoured with such an award and it is a far from ordinary event in my life," he said.
