Doha (Qatar), Nov 5: Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club) beat Bengaluru FC 1-0 to lift the AFC Cup title thanks to a 70th minute strike from star striker Hammadi Ahmed here tonight (November 5). Bengaluru had created history by becoming the first Indian team to reach the title round.
Veteran midfielder Ahmed Kadhim went past two Bengaluru players with ease inside the penalty box and passed the ball to Hammadi who tapped in to complete his 17th goal of the competition.
Both the teams started the game on a haphazard manner as none of them could create a positive chance until the 7th minute.
The celebrations have started for #AirForceClub players and staff! Trophy ceremony coming up shortly... #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/gwiIaXbYgf
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
The Iraqi side got their first proper chance when Rino Anto brought down Hammadi Ahmed on the right flank. Fortunately for the Indian side Airforce club failed to create any positive impact.
Match ended
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
Air Force Club 1:0 JSW Bengaluru FC#AIRvBEN #TheAFCCup pic.twitter.com/39z1Yp2xR2
The first half did not witness any real clear cut chance from either side as both the teams took a safety first approach.
In the second half, Bengaluru started their campaign on a positive note and started creating more and more chances.
Thank you to the 5,800 fans who have turned out here in Doha for the #AFCCup2016 Final! You have been brilliant 👏👏 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/CGKT2esoRY
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
Air Force Club got a couple easy chances but their strikers blew away their chances shooting way above the crossbar.
Albert Roca made two positive changes around the hour mark bringing in Udanta Singh and Seimenlen Doungel in place of defender Nishu Kumar and Alwyn George.
77' Radhi with a curling effort from just outside the box just goes wide! Close to a second for the Iraqi side! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/pF0RBei0kr
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
Bengaluru FC suddenly changed their tactics to 3-5-2 taking a more attacking outlook.
Just when the Indian side started attacking in numbers, the opponents suddenly went into crisp counter attack and the team's highest scorer rose up to the occasion to score the all important goal.
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya becomes first Iraqi club to win an AFC Cup. Agony beholds for the Indian side who dreamt of bringing the cup home to India.
75' GOOOAAALLL! #AirForceClub take the lead thanks to a Ahmed strike! 1-0!! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/ujpMGGu05l
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
62' SAVE from Ralte who dives to his left to deny Naji! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/lmRXmlxnTk
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
📷 #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/5yhstX5iTS
— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016
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