Goals from Anas Bouta and Hadi Al Masri saw Syrian side Al Wahda take the early advantage in the AFC Cup Zonal Final after a 2-1 first leg win over Iraq’s Air Force Club at Saida International Stadium in Lebanon on Tuesday.
Al Wahda opened the scoring in just the third minute after a piece of magic from Osama Omari, who weaved his way past the Air Force defence to lay the ball on a platter for Bouta, who side footed home.
The Iraqi side dominated possession throughout, but Al Wahda defended resolutely and were rewarded when Al Masri doubled their lead midway through the second-half.
Air Force were offered a glimmer of hope for the second leg when 2016 AFC Cup top scorer, Hammadi Ahmed, pulled one back right on 90 minutes after a defensive blunder from Al Wahda.
