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.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2018_afc_cup_final_air_force_club_v_altyn_asyr.html
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: Air Force Club's talismanic captain Hammedi Ahmed was named the 2018 AFC Cup Most Valuable Player after playing yet another pivotal role in the Iraqi side's capture of the 2018 AFC Cup at the Basra Sport City Stadium on Saturday.
Ahmed, 29, put his team on the road to a historic third title with his strike in the 22nd minute, his eighth goal of the 2018 campaign, ensuring Air Force Club took a firm hold of the final in front of their adoring fans.
""I dedicate this award to the club management, the technical team, my colleagues, and most importantly, to my family," said Ahmed.
"We went into the game with great desire to win the title, our coach watched Altyn Asyr's previous matches and had a detailed plan for us."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: An Il-bom of DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC has claimed the AFC Cup Top Scorer award after netting 12 goals in just 10 appearances in the competition.
The 4.25 SC captain finished two goals ahead of Bienvenido Maranon of the Philippines’ Ceres Negros and Sekou Sylla of Myanmar's Yangon United.
With 4.25 SC eliminated from the tournament at the Inter-Zone final stage by Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr, An's involvement in the AFC Cup was brought to an end at the penultimate stage.
But he remained on top of the scoring charts ahead of Saturday’s final between holders Air Force Club of Iraq and Altyn Asyr with Altymyrat Annadurdyyev of the latter the closest – on eight goals prior to kick off – still four goals behind the DPR Korean.
Annadurdyyev, though, was unable to add to his tally as Air Force Club ran out 2-0 winners and An’s 12 goals proved enough to confirm him as the top scorer.