The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said the 22-year-old striker, recently attended the trial with English side Aston Villa, gave a superb performance in the SAFF Cup semi-finals and final in Goa.

Bhutia scored in both matches and India defeated Bangladesh in the final to retain the trophy they won two years ago. Bhutia confirmed his status as South Asia's top soccer star.

The team of the month award went to the beaten finalists Bangladesh, in recognition of their vast improvement, the AFC said.

The coach of the month was South Korea's Huh Jung Moo. The AFC praised the way the 43-year-old Huh led South Korea comfortably through the first round of the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament.

The goal of the month was scored by Iranian midfielder Sirous Dinmohammadi for Esteghal against Jubilo Iwata in the final of the Asian clubchampionship.