Fit and in form Hammadi Ahmed raring to go against Al Wahda
Doha: Last year’s AFC Cup Top Scorer and MVP Hammadi Ahmed has warned Tuesday’s West Asia Zonal Final opponents Al Wahda he’s fighting fit for when his side Air Force Club host the second leg in Doha.
The Iraq striker scored a late on in the first leg in Saida to net a priceless away goal for the defending champions who go into the return meeting at Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium 2-1 down on aggregate.
Ahmed’s injury time strike was just his second of the tournament, far off the pace of matching his astonishing 16-goal campaign in the 2016 edition, but the 27-year-old is confident that he has shaken off fitness concerns and is back to his best.
Hammadi Ahmed captained Air Force Club to the 2016 AFC Cup title
“I know I haven't been the same this season. I suffered an injury, which kept me out for two months,” said Ahmed.
“I haven't played much, especially in the AFC Cup. Two months is a long time. However, I was able to score a crucial goal against Al Wahda.
“I’m in good health and form now and, hopefully, I can help my team to become West Asian champions.”
Last year, Air Force Club became the first Iraqi club side to win an AFC tournament, bettering the 2012 runner-up finish by Erbil, after they defeated JSW Bengaluru 1-0 in the final, thanks to Ahmed’s 16thand final goal of the campaign.
A victory over Al Wahda would take them a step towards becoming the third team to retain the AFC Cup after Jordan’s Al Faisaly and Kuwait SC.
“Becoming the first Iraqi side to win this tournament was an achievement I am really proud of, as a player and especially as the captain of the team,” said Ahmed.
“Even though the team achievements are our top priority, I think the individual records also help motivate us.
“I was able to become the Top Scorer, break records and be named MVP – these things are really good; they pushed me and gave me confidence.”
Hammadi Ahmed was named MVP and Top Scorer at the 2016 AFC Cup
The man from Samarra city, north of Baghdad, has been at Air Force Club since 2010 and despite last year’s continental superlatives – Ahmed’s performances saw him nominated for 2016 AFC Player of the Year – has lost none of the hunger for further success in the 2017 campaign.
“I think the goal I scored against Al Wahda was very important because it is better to lose 2-1 than 2-0,” he added.
“It would have been difficult for us if it was 2-0. Now, we can clinch the tie if we win 1-0 in the second leg. If we reach the final, I don't think we will think about how we got there.
“Hopefully, we can go all the way and retain our title.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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