Iraq's Air Force Club edge Suwaiq in AFC Cup

Sports Monday 26/February/2018 21:28 PM
By: Times News Service
Iraq's Air Force Club edge Suwaiq in AFC Cup

Muscat: Suwaiq suffered their second defeat in the AFC Cup when they conceded a goal five minutes from the final whistle against Iraq’s Air Force Club at the Seeb Sports Stadium on Monday.
According to news posted on the AFC website, defending champions Air Force Club left it late to beat Suwaiq 1-0 to earn their first win of the 2018 campaign.
Hosts Suwaiq suffered an early blow in their second Group A match as midfielder Fahad Al Jalboubi was stretchered off to be replaced by Omer Al Fazari halfway through the opening period.
Emad Mohsen nearly put the reigning champions in front in the 58th minute after he controlled and fired from inside the box after Sameh Saeed’s cross from the right, but goalkeeper Fayeez Al Rushaidi produced a top drawer save to deny the forward.
Coach Radhi Shenaishel introduced winger Karrar Ali in place of defender Mustafa Mohammed five minutes from time and his faith was rewarded instantly as Air Force Club’s No. 7 found the back of the net with his very first touch, firing on the half-volley from a narrow angle to beat goalkeeper Al Rushaidi.
Suwaiq host Jordan’s Al Jazeera in their next AFC Cup game on March 5, while Air Force travel to Bahrain to take on debutants Malkiya.