skipper Sasa scoops MVP award

[Hinderz]

3-1 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma

Tokyo: Sasa Ognenovski captained Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma to the AFC Champions League title on Saturday and was recognised for the vital role he played throughout by being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Australian received his first call-up to the national team earlier this week and rounded off a fairytale week by leading his side to a 3-1 victory over Zob Ahan in the final at Tokyo's National Stadium.

Ognenovski, who joined Seongnam in January last year, was on the losing side in the 2008 ACL final while with Adelaide United as they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Gamba Osaka.

The 31-year-old defender was clearly determined not to experience that disappointment again and his elation was clear to see when he gave his side the lead against Zob Ahan midway through the first half, with his performance throughout the 90 minutes also earning him the Man of the Match accolade.

“When I was appointed head coach of this club I really wanted him to play for us,” coach Shin Tae-yong said of Ognenovski.

“During the first half of last year he had difficulty adjusting to Korean football but this year he has played very well. He is used to living here and he plays a very important role for my team.

“Whatever I ask of Sasa he will do 100%. I think he is the best stopper in the K-League.”

Seongnam's disciplined displays en route to the final was also recognised as they received the Fair Play Award.

Jose Mota was handed the Top Goalscorer Award after the Suwon Samsung Bluewings forward scored nine goals in the tournament.

The Brazilian was prolific during the group stage, scoring in all but one game as Suwon topped Group G.

Mota then grabbed a brace as Suwon defeated Beijing Guoan in the last 16 but was unable to prevent his side from slipping to a 4-3 aggregate defeat to eventual champions Seongnam in the quarter-finals.

Asian Player of the year?

[the_gun]

its a shame hes 31. its unbelievable how a player of his quality has failed to get a cap to this point.

[Red-4-Life]

its a shame hes 31. its unbelievable how a player of his quality has failed to get a cap to this point.

[Hinderz]

People give Vidmar shit for signing Owusu but he did exceptional well signing Sasa, Leckie and Flores