Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Basra: History was made in the AFC Cup 2018 as Air Force Club became the first team to clinch three consecutive titles after the Iraqi club defeated Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FC 2-0 in a captivating final at the Basra Sport City Stadium in Iraq on Saturday.
Having successfully navigated the final against FC Istiklol from Tajikistan last year and India’s JSW Bengaluru FC in 2016, Air Force Club have now equalled Al Kuwait’s (2009, 2012, 2013) record of three AFC Cup titles.
The AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, congratulated the West Asian winners: “Air Force Club deserves immense credit for showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the years. We must also praise Altyn Asyr FC who have shown great determination to become the first club for Turkmenistan to reach the final.
“The true hallmark of excellence is the ability not just to win, but to defend titles and Air Force Club has shown they are amongst the best in the competition’s proud history.
“The entire Asian football family congratulates Air Force Club as well as the Iraqi Football Association for their tremendous efforts and dedication in developing the game.”
The AFC President also praised the Iraqi Football Association for staging a truly memorable final – one that was befitting to the ever-growing prestige of the competition.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Basra: Air Force Club were crowned 2018 AFC Cup champions, lifting the trophy for a record third successive year after a 2-0 win over Altyn Asyr at Basra Sport City Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts came racing out of the blocks as Hammadi Ahmed found space inside the box and rounded goalkeeper Mamed Orazmuhamedov, but the Altyn Asyr defence recovered, forcing the forward wide. Ahmed laid off the ball for Ali Husni whose effort was blocked in the fifth minute.
Ahmed had a golden chance to open the scoring in the 15th minute when he received Ibrahim Bayesh’s cross from the right flank, but the Air Force Club captain’s shot was collected by Orazmuhamedov.
The deadlock was finally broken halfway through the opening period. Defender Mekan Saparov floundered his attempt to clear a through pass, and the ball reached Ahmed who applied a calm finish from close range for his eighth goal of the campaign in the 22nd minute.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Basra: Head coach Basim Qasim knew the exact reasons why Air Force Club emerged victorious in the 2018 AFC Cup final at Basra Sport City on Saturday - desire to win the title for a third time and the homework done ahead of the decider against Altyn Asyr.
Having won their first two AFC Cup titles on foreign soil, Air Force Club were determined to celebrate a third triumph in front of their fans, said Qasim who returned to helm the side just several months ago after having guided them to the 2016 crown.
"We gift this win to Iraq football fans in general, Basra fans and to the Air Force Club fans who we had promised to bring more achievements," said Qasim.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Basra: Altyn Asyr head coach Yazguly Hojageldyyew conceded that Air Force Club's experience of having played and won two finals was the major reason why the Turkmenistan club finished as runners-up in the 2018 AFC Cup final at the Basra Sport City on Saturday.
Air Force Club were quick to stamp their mark on the final, leaving Altyn Asyr chasing shadows and once the Iraqi side took the lead through Hammadi Ahmed in the 22nd minute, Hojageldyyew said his side knew it would be difficult to find a way back into the final.
"I congratulate Air Force Club for this achievement, the match was very difficult for us as they were highly motivated," said Hojageldyyew.