Iraq's Air Force Club dash Bengaluru hopes to win AFC Cup

The stage was set for Benglauru FC to script history but it wasn't to be. Iraq Air Force Club beats the Indian club 1-0 to win their maiden AFC Cup title. Hammadi Ahmed scored the lone goal of the match in the 69th minute. He is also the highest scorer of the tournament with   16 goals. Benglauru put up a valiant fight. But at the end of the day Air Force were the better side.

FULL TIME and CONGRATULATIONS to #AirForceClub for being crowned #AFCCup2016 Champions after a 1-0 victory over @bengalurufc! #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/HOKxJMPPbw

— AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

GOAL! Hammadi Ahmed finds the back of the net for Air Force Club. 69 minutes into the final. Benglauru FC 0-1 Air Force Club

75' GOOOAAALLL! #AirForceClub take the lead thanks to a Ahmed strike! 1-0!! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/ujpMGGu05l — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

70′ Goal Air Force Club Air Force Club 1:0 JSW Bengaluru FC#AIRvBEN #TheAFCCup pic.twitter.com/Yzf8Mm9iJb — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

Twin substitutes for Bengaluru FC

64' TWO SUBS for @bengalurufc! George and Kumar are replaced by Doungel and Udanta Singh! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/nRkoFUG9rO — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

Great save by the goalkeeper Ralte.

62' SAVE from Ralte who dives to his left to deny Naji! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/lmRXmlxnTk — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

Referee blows the whistle. It's half time at the all important final. BengaluruFC 0-0 Iraq Air Force Club. A neck to neck first half promises an interesting second half. 

HALF TIME. The scores are unchanged as both sides head back through the tunnel at the end of the first 45. #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/wxxHBMLj0Y — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 5, 2016

Just 3 minutes of added time signaled.

45' The fourth official signals three minutes of added time here at the end of the first half. Still 0-0 between the Blues and AIR. #AIRvBFC — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 5, 2016

An injury to Air Force Club player Sameh S. He is carried out of the field on a stretcher. Another opportunity missed by Air Force Club

40' Another great opportunity for #AirForceClub but Ralte does well to keep the square ball out from Radhi! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/u1yAAsKPVp — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

40 minutes into the game. Scoreline 0-0

39' Still goalless in Doha and Nishu's got to do better than giving the ball away rather easily. #AIRvBFC 0-0 — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 5, 2016

A chance for Air Force Club. But the header is far from goal

34' A chance for #AirForceClub but Ahmed can't steer his header on target after a good ball into the box, 0-0 #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/46xcvCBjps — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

A close call. 30 minutes into the match. Scoreline 0-0

Team Statistics Air Force Club 0:0 JSW Bengaluru FC#AIRvBEN #TheAFCCup pic.twitter.com/SCRTAv81RZ — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

29' Amjed sends in a cross from the right, there's two AIR bodies in the box and Johnson leaps over both to clear. #AIRvBFC 0-0 — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 5, 2016

Air Force Club makes an early change

26' AIR sub: Air Force Club makes an early change with Humam being pulled off for Osama. 0-0. #AIRvBFC — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 5, 2016

   

25mins in and both sides not threatening either goalkeeper so far, remains 0-0 #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/7Vxt2glphW — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

Team Statistics Air Force Club 0:0 JSW Bengaluru FC#AIRvBEN #TheAFCCup pic.twitter.com/S4z7ZU3uIL — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016

Fans have gathered in large numbers to support Bangaluru FC in their quest to glory.  

???? @bengalurufc fans with a fantastic banner here in Doha! They have travelled in some numbers! #AFCCup2016 #AIRvBFC pic.twitter.com/qnLbau0jBP — AFC Cup (@AFCCup) November 5, 2016