The Pakhtakor team lost to the Iraqi club 'Air Force' with a score of 1:0 in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 group stage. The match took place in Baghdad on October 26 and was won by the hosts thanks to a goal scored in the 70th minute.
The goal was scored by 'Air Force' captain Saad Abdul Amir, who managed to convert a cross after a free kick taken by Mujtaba Mohin. He scored close to the goal.
Neither team could score before halftime. In the 15th minute, Aymen Hussein, playing against his former club, shot wide after a pass from Bashar Resan. Two minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty for 'Air Force' after the ball hit Abbas Adil's hand, but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.
Despite the Iraqi team possessing more of the ball, they created few clear chances in the first half. Forward Mohammed Jawad failed to get past Pakhtakor defender Muhammadasul Abdumajidov. In stoppage time, Hussein got another chance, but his shot went over the crossbar.
After the break, Pakhtakor increased the pressure and created several scoring opportunities. In the 47th minute, Resan carried the ball from the center of the field, forcing 'Air Force' goalkeeper Mohammed Salih to act. Flamariyon tried to follow up on the rebound but missed.
Pakhtakor missed another chance in the 65th minute. After a corner kick taken by Flamariyon, Mortez Pouraligandji found himself in open space and headed the ball towards the goal, but it went over the crossbar.
The single goal by 'Air Force' secured them three points in the match. The Iraqi club interrupted a streak of two defeats, while Pakhtakor remained without a win in the tournament.