Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Pakhtakor suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iraq’s Air Force SC in the third round of the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27. The match, played in Baghdad on 26 October, was decided by a goal from the hosts in the 70th minute.
Following a free-kick delivered by Mujtaba Mohsin, Ashraf Budrama flicked the ball on with a header, allowing Air Force captain Saad Abdul Amir to score from close range.
Neither team managed to score before half-time. In the 15th minute, Aymen Hussein, playing against his former club, fired wide after receiving a pass from Bashar Resan. Two minutes later, the referee awarded Air Force a penalty after the ball struck Abbas Adil’s hand, but reversed the decision following a VAR review.
Despite enjoying more possession, the Iraqi side created few clear chances in the first half. Forward Mohammed Jawad was unable to get past Pakhtakor defender Muhammadrasul Abdumajidov. In stoppage time, Hussein had another opportunity to score but sent his shot over the crossbar.
Pakhtakor stepped up after the break and created several opportunities. In the 47th minute, Resan carried the ball forward from the halfway line and forced Air Force goalkeeper Mohammed Salih into action. Flamarion tried to follow up on the rebound but failed to hit the target.
Pakhtakor missed another chance in the 65th minute. Following Flamarion’s corner, Morteza Pouraliganji found space and headed towards goal, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Air Force’s only goal of the match ultimately secured all three points. The Iraqi club ended a run of two consecutive defeats, while Pakhtakor remain without a win in the tournament.
