Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Iraq's Air Force Club will have no need for motivation when they begin their AFC Cup title defence in 2018. Having won the title in the last two seasons, the Falcons will be charged up as they go in search of a historic third successive title.
Since the inception of the tournament in 2004, no club has ever won three AFC Cup titles on the trot. Jordan's Al Faisaly came close, but lost to rivals Shabab Al Ordon in the 2007 final after having won the previous two editions.
Air Force Club could be looking at a monumental 2018 if they manage to write their name in the history books. The Baghdad-based side, who are also the reigning Iraqi champions, will not be lacking in belief after they successfully defended their continental title this year following a challenging campaign.
Despite finishing as unbeaten toppers of Group B, Air Force's road to the 2017 AFC Cup final was far from straightforward. Going into the final matchday in the group stage, Air Force found themselves in danger of being eliminated in the event of a defeat to Bahrain's Al Hidd.
Fortunately for them, Amjed Radhi stepped up in the 71st minute to score the lone goal and ensure that Air Force reached the West Asia Zonal semi-finals.
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