Players mental resilience pleases Al Sayed

The Iraqi side were the away team in the one-legged final at Hisor Central Stadium but were stronger throughout and missed a penalty early in the second half when Hammadi Ahmed’s effort was saved by Nikola Stosic.

But Emad Mohsin proved the hero in the 68th minute as his powerful left-foot effort found the back of the net and meant Air Force Club became the third team – after Jordan’s Al Faisaly and Kuwait SC – to win back-to-back AFC Cups.

“It was a difficult match in the opposition’s home,” said Syrian Al Sayed (pictured above, right), who is currently in his second spell in charge of the club after taking over in August.

“The penalty kick could have been the turning point, but the players were mentally strong and kept their concentration. I am very proud of my players.”

Air Force Club won the tournament at the first attempt last year, amassing 27 goals in just 12 games with captain Ahmed finishing as top scorer on 16, including the only goal in the final against India’s JSW Bengaluru.

It has been a different story this year, though, as the defence of their title had seen them score just 10 goals in 10 games prior to Saturday’s final.

But their success has been built on a solid backline, with the side conceding only five goals throughout the tournament as the victory over Istiklol became their seventh clean sheet in 11 games.