UAE international Theyab Awana died last night after being involved in a tragic car accident.The 21-year-old, renowned for his astounding talent and his infamous back-heeled goal in the UAE’s friendly with Lebanon last July, is believed to have been driving with his brother on his way to Abu Dhabi, when he lost control of the car.
Awana had been attending a national team training camp in Al Ain.
Tearful team-mates and friends last night contacted television station Dubai Sports 1 to pay their tributes to one of UAE football’s rising stars.
“Theyab came to practice but he didn’t participate because he was injured,” said Ahmed Saeed, UAE National Team director. “The accident happened when he was returning to Abu Dhabi.
“The UAE has lost one of its stars who had a bright future in world football.”
The Bani Yas winger, who also played for the UAE Olympic team, had picked up an injury during last week’s Olympic qualifier against Australia and was schedule to travel to Germany today to receive treatment.
He was scheduled to catch up with the national team to prepare for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against Korea in Seoul on October 2011.
As part of the UAE Under18 national team Awana won the 2008 AFC U-18 Cup in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, qualifying for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, where the team reached the last eight.
Thereafter, Awana was shortlisted for both the senior and Olympic national teams. He was also part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Awana will be buried later today in Bani Yas.
The entire Sport360° team offer our wholehearted condolences to Awana’s family, friends and Bani Yas fans.
Just a day earlier to this, tragedy had struck another young Emarati player, Saeed Al Nooby who played for Al Dhafra club, also died in an accident.
