Al Habsi takes goalkeeping honour

Bolton’s Ali Al Habsi has made Gulf Cup history after being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper for the third time in succession.

The 25-year-old Oman international, who has yet to start a game for Wanderers, first won the accolade in 2003 in Kuwait before adding a second honour a year later in Doha.

Al Habsi conceded just four goals in this year’s competition in Abu Dhabi, which ended in his side’s 1-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates in the final yesterday.

“Thank God for this award,” Al Habsi told PA Sport. “However, the big reward would have been winning the title.

“The defeat is very hard on us because it’s the second consecutive final defeat. Two years ago we played against Qatar and we lost in front of their fans and this year it was the same.

“All I can say is that we are not lucky and congratulations to the UAE national team. At the end of the day this is football and maybe in the next competition in Oman the title will be ours.”