KEY PLAYERS

TERENGGANU FC

Andrew Lee Tuck

The English forward has been the driving force behind Terengganu FC’s run to the final. With six goals including two hattricks in the last two matches, the 31-year-old is top of the goal-scorer’s chart. But scoring is not his only quality, the former Abahani forward contributes as much in building attacks and setting up goals. He is by far the biggest contender for the player-of-the-tournament award.

Syafik Bin Ismail

Syafik Bin Ismail is a pocket dynamo for Terengganu FC. Despite often finding himself under the shadow by the looming presence of Andre Lee Tuck and centre-forward Bruno Suzuki, this 18-year-old forward managed to catch attention with his sublime dribbling skills, giving a hard time to the opposition defences. He is also adept in scoring as his goal gave Terengganu FC the lead against Mohun Bagan in the semifinals.

Bruno Suzuki

The Brazilian-born Japanese striker is a true centre-forward, always on the prowl. He knows where he needs to be at the right time and finishes off his chances with great accuracy. He scored four goals in the first match of his team, and despite going goalless since, earned a valuable spot-kick in the crucial semifinal against Mohun Bagan.

CHATTOGRAM ABAHANI

Jamal Bhuiyan

The Chattogram Abahani skipper was part of the team back in 2017 as well. Jamal has scored in that semifinal defeat against Pocheon FC of South Korea. Now Jamal is a more matured player and a leader. He scored one goal, but was involved in a few other goals as he and his role has changed from a pure defensive midfielder to an attacking one. His set-pieces have improved too, and he has already bagged two player-of-the-match awards.

Chinedu Matthew

The Nigerian striker has been the most consistent performer, not only for his side, but also in the whole tournament. He scored two goals in the first game and followed it up with another in the second. The Nigerian was not on target in the third game where he played only last 30 minutes, but came to his side’s rescue by scoring the extra-time winner in the semifinal against Gokulam Kerala.

Jean Charles Didier

The Ivorian attacking midfielder was an unknown quantity in Bangladesh football. But he has already become the engine of Chattogram Abahani team, with opposition coaches keeping a close eye on him. The Ivorian scored one goal in group stages but showed his true class with a two-goal haul in the semifinal against Gokulam Kerala. He makes a deadly attacking combination with Jamal and the dynamic duo could decide the outcome of the final.