Qasim, back in charge as Iraq's Air Force Club chase a historic third title, was confident that his team have the quality and experience to win Saturday's final at Basra Sport City.

Hojageldyyew, who has already created history by guiding Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr to the nation's first major Asian final, was equally optimistic that his team can go one further.

Qasim, who guided Air Force Club to their first AFC Cup title in 2016, said his team are desperate to complete a hat-trick of AFC Cup titles, especially with the final being played on home soil.

Air Force Club have won the AFC Cup title for two consecutive years, defeating JSW Bengaluru in the 2016 final, then FC Istiklol the following year.

This year, they face dark horses Altyn Asyr, who have eliminated the last two runners-up en route to reaching the final; first pipping Istiklol to the top of the group, then dispatching Bengaluru in the Inter-Zone Play-Off Semi-Final.

Saturday's final will be the first major Asian event held in Iraq in a long time and Ahmed said Air Force Club are determined that the home fans in the spectacular Basra Sport City enjoy a winning performance.

"We are happy as Air force players and fans, and Iraqis in general, to host the final in Iraq, especially after the lifting of the (FIFA imposed) ban on hosting international matches in Iraq," said the striker.

"This is going to be the first Asian final in Iraq in many years and we want it to be remembered," said Ahmed, who goes into the final with seven goals to his name in the 2018 AFC Cup.

"We want to get the third title, and register our names in the record books, as we will be the first team to win the AFC Cup three times in a row."

The Iraq international, who now plays for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal, had a hugely successful spell at Air Force Club and was part of the side that won back-to-back AFC Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

Air Force Club made their debut in the competition in 2016 and won it at the first time of asking after beating India’s JSW Bengaluru 1-0 in the final, before returning a year later to defeat Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol by the same scoreline.

The Ashgabat side progressed from the group stage following an injury-time winner against FC Istiklol in Tajikistan. They then defeated JSW Bengaluru 3-2 in India in the Inter-Zone semi-final and gained an impressive 2-2 draw in Pyongyang against DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC in the Inter-Zone final, before sealing progression both times on home turf.

Ahead of the 2018 AFC Cup final, the-AFC.com takes a look at the Altyn Asyr players who could be the ones to watch. For the Air Force Club key men, click here.

Ahead of the 2018 AFC Cup final, the-AFC.com takes a look at the players who could be the ones to watch, beginning with the holders Air Force Club.