Abdul Kader Kardaghli vs Firas Al-Khatib
Syria against Syria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Abdul Kader Kardaghli
Syria · 1982–87 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 80
- Rank in Syria
- #6 of 33
- Caps
- 102 · 34 goals
- Clubs
- Tishreen SC, Al-wathbaa, Jableh SC
Syrian crowds called him Malik, the King, and in Latakia on 25 September 1987 he was in the side that beat France's amateur team 2-1 for Mediterranean Games gold on home soil. A year later he was voted best player of the Arab Nations Cup as Syria finished runners-up, and his league record runs to a title with Tishreen in 1982, two with Al-Jaish in 1985 and 1986, a Syrian Cup in 1986 and the 1984 scoring title. Career record: 102 caps and 34 goals for Syria; club career at Tishreen SC, Al-wathbaa, Jableh SC.
Firas Al-Khatib
Syria · 2001–19 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 85
- Rank in Syria
- #3 of 33
- Caps
- 51 · 26 goals
- Clubs
- Al-Karamah SC, Al-Arabi SC, Shanghai Shenhua
A week after his debut he scored in Syria's 9-0 win over Laos on 11 May 2001, and eighteen years later, on 5 September 2019 against the Philippines, he became the first Asian to play in six World Cup qualifying campaigns. He remains Syria's record scorer with 36 goals in 72 caps, and in Kuwait he won four league titles, six Emir Cups and four golden boots, the last with 23 goals in 2015-16. Career record: 51 caps and 26 goals for Syria; club career at Al-Karamah SC, Al-Arabi SC, Shanghai Shenhua.
The verdict
The almanac puts Firas Al-Khatib ahead by 5 rating points, 85 against 80.
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