Hakobyan takes Armenian award
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Article summary
FC Banants' record-breaking striker Ara Hakobyan has been voted footballer of the year in Armenia.
Article body
Scoring feats
Hakobyan's award was due recognition for his scoring feats in the 2003 season when he struck a record 45 league goals. His total included nine hat-tricks, as well as one four-goal and one five-goal haul. Not surprisingly Hakobyan was also named best forward.
Pyunik pair
Second and third places in the poll went to two FC Pyunik teenagers - Edgar Manucharyan and goalkeeper Apoula Edima Edel Bete, both of whom are only 17 yet earned Under-21 caps this year. Manucharyan was also voted 'discovery of the season' following his 12 goals in 17 matches for champions Pyunik.
FA poll
The voting was organised by the Armenian Football Federation, who polled 65 Armenian journalists, coaches and referees. The award for best goalkeeper went to Apoula Edima Edel Bete; Armenian international Khose Andre Bilibio was best defender; and Pyunik's Levon Pachajyan was best midfield player.
