AFC Champions League Elite - Jabar relieved as Air Force revive campaign

AFC Champions League Elite
Jaber relieved as Air Force revive campaign
Tue, 27 October, 2026

Baghdad: Relieved head coach Rasheed Jaber praised Air Force SC’s focus after they ended a run of two defeats with a 1-0 win over Pahtakor in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ tie on Monday.

Saad Abdul Ameer scored the decisive goal as the Iraqi side claimed the first victory of the campaign, while Pakhtakor are still searching for their first win.

#ACLElite | Air Force SC (IRQ) 1-0 Pakhtakor (UZB)

“It was a good match and we needed the three points, said Jaber. “The focus was on moving the ball quickly and concentrating on both the defensive and attacking aspects of our game."

“Our thoughts and focus were on the team and the match. We were facing a good side who had played at a high level in their last match., so we needed to show great concentration and put in a big effort.”

Pakhtakor head coach Emilian Caras felt the pitch made it difficult for his side to play their usual game.

“We struggled to play our game with the condition of the pitch and were unable to adapt,” said Caras. “I felt that the team making the fewer mistakes would win. Unfortunately, we made more mistakes.

“Our opponents took advantage of that. We came here to win - even a draw would not have satisfied us before the match but we ended up with nothing.”

Pakhtakor face another stiff challenge when they take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr Club next, while Air Force will travel to Dubai to take on UAE’s Al Wasl FC.

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