New Delhi: India's Bengaluru FC went down fighting in the final of the AFC Cup, losing 0-1 to Iraq's Air Force Club in Doha.
Hammadi Ahmad scored in the 70th minute to break the hearts of the Bengaluru FC supporters, after the Indian side had managed to keep the Iraqi's quiet for most of the match.
Hammadi Ahmad also ended the tournament as the highest goal scorer with 16 goals.
This was the first time that an Indian club had managed to qualify for the final of the continental tournament.
Bengaluru FC head coach Albert Roca made just one change to his team which started against Johor Darul Ta'zim in the semifinals with Lalthuamawia Ralte replacing suspended Amrinder Singh at the goal.
The India football club created more chances in the first half but the two good opportunities fell to Air Force.
Hammadi played a part on both occasions, first heading wide from the inside the box, then setting up Amjed Radhi who beat the offside trap but failed to find Emad with Ralte doing well to smother the ball.
Bengaluru's only chance was headed wide by Eugeneson Lyngdoh from a Alwyn George cross.
This was the first time an Iraqi side won the AFC Cup title after Erbil Club finished runners-up twice in 2012 and 2014.
Comments
0 comment