Last-ditch defense in Asia: Tractor stuns Iraqi champions with a 1-0 win

Match Recap

Another defeat for the Iraqi champions as Al-Shorta falls 1-0 to Tractor S.C. of Iran in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Mehdi Terabi scored the decisive goal in the 26th minute, giving Tractor a second straight win after beating Sharjah in the previous round.

Al-Shorta, coached by Egyptian Moamen Soliman, remains on one point and sits eleventh from the bottom after a tough run through Asia's elite competition.

Their campaign began with a draw against Al-Sadd in Iraq, followed by a 2-0 loss to Al-Gharafa in Qatar, and a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia.

Al-Shorta's possession and dominance did not translate into goals as Tractor's defense held firm and left with the three points.

In the 27th minute, Tractor's Mehdi Terabi struck after a pass inside the box, finishing with style as the Iraqi defense slept.

The Iraqi side pressed for a late equalizer, Mahmoud Al-Mawas testing the keeper, and Dominik Mendy forcing a save, but chances went wide or were blocked.

Another dangerous cross from Mahmoud Al-Mawas was cleared by the defense; Mendy had another attempt that went off target as pressure mounted.

The first half ended with Tractor ahead 1-0 as Al-Shorta sought to regroup for the second period.

Second Half Power

Al-Shorta started the second half with attacking intent, a right-footed shot from Mustafa Saidoun testing the keeper after a corner, while Mahmoud Al-Mawas unleashed a superb free-kick that sailed into the keeper’s arms.

Dominik Mendy remained the brightest moment for the Iraqi side, but most efforts drifted wide; Riwan Amin and other substitutes came on as Tractor's defense stayed organized and refused to concede.

Coach Moamen Soliman reshuffled the frontline, bringing in Amir Sabah and Mohammad Dawood as they chased an equalizer, but Tractor's defense stayed disciplined and closed down space.

Atiba produced a powerful effort for the Iraqi side, saved by the keeper; Dawood wasted another chance, and Bubakar Momoni entered late to bolster the attack, but Mendy's cross and a subsequent corner ended without a goal.

Masoud Kazzemiani joined Tractor to strengthen their defense. Atiba's next opportunity was blocked, and Dawood's run fizzled out as Tractor held on for three points.

Mehmed Ali's exit to the UAE and the integration of Cameroonian Lionel Atiba did not pay off this time; Dawood's form also remained below expectations, and Mahmoud Al-Mawas' dip this season continued to hamper Iraq's attack.

Final whistle: Tractor celebrate a crucial win that complicates Al-Shorta's path in Asia.

Punchline 1: If precision counted as a stat, Iraqi attackers would still be sharpening their knives instead of their shooting boots.

Punchline 2: They say snipers hit targets from afar; tonight the closest thing to a target was the ball crossing the line in Tractor's favor — the rest stayed out of reach, sadly.