Azkals’ goal keeper Kevin Hansen. AFF SUZUKI CUP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine goalkeeper Kevin Ray Hansen has been nominated as one of the breakout stars of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The 6-foot-2 shot-stopper made a name for himself in the regional tournament tallying 18 saves as the Azkals’ first choice in front of the post.
Hansen, 27, was a newcomer to the Azkals system having made his international debut in June 2021 during the World Cup and Asian Qualifiers against Maldives.
The Kuala Lumpur City keeper eventually won the starting spot over Bernd Schipmann and Quincy Kammeraad for the Suzuki Cup.
Hansen joins Indonesian midfielder Ricky Kambuaya, Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, Malaysian winger Kogileswaran Raj, Thai midfielder Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul, and Singaporean forward Song Ui-young.
Tallying four appearances in the competition, Hansen’s 18 saves is the second-most behind Singapore keeper Hassan Sunny who had 20 in six matches.
Hansen’s performance in the Suzuki Cup nets him consideration for the starting 11 even in the return of Birmingham City’s Neil Etheridge and Suphanburi FC’s Patrick Deyto.