AFC Cup Finals 2016: 5 things you should know about Bengaluru FC vs Air Force Club of Iraq
Bengaluru FC are on the verge of writing their names into the history of Indian football as they take on Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Air Force Club) of Iraq in the AFC Cup Final 2016. Billed as India’s biggest game this century. Alberto Roca’s men will be up against one of the most feared teams in this year’s
Here’s a look at some essential facts that you should have in mind before the action starts in Doha.
#1 A first for both nations
Clubs from neither nations have become AFC Cup champions since its’ inception in 2004. Only one Iraqi club has made it to the finals before Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya as Arbil FC finishing runners-up in both 2012 as well as 2014. Meanwhile, this is the first time that Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya are participating in the competition. The Air Force club have qualified thrice for the AFC Champions League (2004, 2006 and 2008), but have never been able to get past the group stages of the competition.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC have already scripted history when they defeated defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the semis to become the first ever Indian team to qualify for the finals of the AFC Cup. Dempo (2008) and East Bengal (2013) had previously come as far as the semis.