AFC Cup 2017: Group B Review - Air Force Club dealt significant setback

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2017 saw Matchday four kickoff on Monday with Group B in action. Let's take a look at what transpired in the two matches: 

GROUP B: 

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AIR FORCE CLUB 1-1 AL WAHDA [Kadhim 88' - Al Mbayed 23']

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A 1-1 draw in Doha meant that both Air Force Club and Al Wahda continued their unbeaten run in the tournament but the defending champions from Iraq would be the ones worse off after the result virtually handed Al Wahda the initiative in Group B. 

Despite playing at home, Air Force Club trailed in the 22nd minute when Khaled Al Mbayed struck to give the Syrian club a well-deserved lead. He latched on to a parry from Air Force Club goalkeeper Fahad Talib and converted from close-range to shock the home side. Air Force Club struggled to force their way back into the tie and it looked like Al Wahda have notched a result that would have almost guaranteed their passage through to the next round. 

But, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, the defending champions equalised. A long punt forward from Samal Saeed fell to Ahmed Kadhim who headed past a stranded Al Wahda goalkeeper to give his side a share of the spoils. Air Force Club now trail Al Wahda by two points with two games remaining in the group. 

ASEAN, South, Central & East Zone Previews

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SAFA SC 0-2 AL HIDD [Mohamed Adnan 7', 80']

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Bahraini side Al Hidd pulled themselves back into contention for qualification from Group B after handing Safa SC a 0-2 defeat in Beirut on Monday, all thanks to a spectacular brace from Sayed Mohamed Adnan. 

In what was a crucial clash for them, Al Hidd took the lead in the seventh minute with a goal from an unlikely source. Mohamed Adnan, the central defender, gave his side the lead with a towering header from a corner. The early setback seemed to have affected Safa SC who wasted a couple of good chances they created. Meanwhile, at the other end, Uche Agba hit the upright once before the points were made sure by Mohamed Adnan himself in splendid fashion. 

The tall defender curled in a vicious freekick from almost 35 yards to the delight of the away team who now find themselves level with Air Force Club in second spot.