AFC Champions League Elite - Jebel optimistic despite Air Force SC's losing start

Fergana: Fethi Jebel l had no complaints despite seeing his Air Force SC side falling to a 1-0 defeat against PFC Neftchi in their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™ opener on Monday.

Zoran Marusic’s late header earned Uzbekistan's Neftchi a 1-0 victory, with Iraq's Air Force left to rue defeat despite producing a good performance.

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

Head coach Jebel said his side deserved more and was optimistic of Air Force's chances despite the defeat.

"We delivered an outstanding first-half performance, but our level dropped in the second half due to travel fatigue and having played a league match recently," said Jebel.

"I thank the players for their good performance and we hope to bounce back in the upcoming matches."

The tight contest was decided when Serbian forward Marusic rose to meet Koffi Kouao’s cross from the right in the 83rd minute, securing a dream start to Neftchi's campaign.

"The Uzbek team won because they made fewer errors than we did during the match.

"We have important upcoming matches in both the league and the AFC Champions League Elite, and we aim to rectify our mistakes."

Air Force, whose domestic title defence has also gotten off to a rocky start, next face UAE's Al Ain FC on October 13 while Neftchi will meet Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club a day earlier.

Jebel optimistic despite Air Force SC's losing start

Preview: Port FC (THA) v Vissel Kobe (JPN)

Preview: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR) v Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)

MD1: Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA) 1-1 Pakhtakor (UZB)

MD1: Esteghlal FC (IRN) 3-0 Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Europe Wrap: Ueda, Sano lead Asian charge