Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Mohammad Hamadko’s solitary strike ensured inaugural AFC Cup winners Al Jaish of Syria advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years after a 1-0 victory over Nafit Al Wasat of Iraq in the last 16 on Wednesday.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes with chances at a premium at PAS Ghavamin Stadium, Hamadko finally broke the deadlock with a sweetly struck effort from distance in the 78th minute.
Nafit pushed hard for the equaliser to take the tie to extra-time but the Syrian side held out to book their first last eight appearance since winning the inaugural edition of the continental competition in 2004.
“We knew we were playing against a strong side so we tried not to play openly,” said Al Jaish coach Ahmed Al Shaar. “We focused on defence and tried to create opportunities on the counter attack.
“I’m completely satisfied with my players’ performance as they did their best during the 90 minutes. I would like to congratulate all the Syrian fans as we did a great job by qualifying for the last eight of the tournament.
“We will have more difficult games ahead and in order to progress to the next stage we must work hard.”
Al Jaish started the stronger and Zakria Al Kadoor’s free-kick on six minutes fizzed just wide goalkeeper Noor Sabri’s left post.
But after creating little by way of clear-cut chances in the first half, Nafit came back into the tie after the interval and Amjed Waleed almost opened the scoring in the 54th minute when he broke through only to see his effort saved by the legs of keeper Ahmad Madaneia.
And the home side had a another sight on goal two minutes later as Mustafa Kareem’s curling effort was saved by Madaneia, before the Al Jaish’s Mohamad Akkad was off target with his header midway through the half as the game began to open up.
Then, with 12 minutes remaining, Hamadko burst forward and unleashed a powerful drive from 25 yards that flew into the right corner to give the Syrians the lead, although custodian Sabri will be disappointed he didn’t do better after getting a hand to it.
With the clock running down Nafit’s Mohammed Saleh fired over and Waleed headed wide as Nafit failed to find the goal to take the tie into extra-time and Al Jaish saw out the 1-0 win.
“I would like to congratulate Al Jaish on the win,” said Nafit coach Falah Hassan. “It wasn’t our day, we created a lot of chances but we struggled with the final touch. They had one chance and scored.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports