Streaks, Surprises, and a Penalty: Karmah Shines as Zawraa's Run Stalls in the Iraqi League
5 January 2026
Matchday Highlights
Arab Cup top scorer leads Karmah past Najaf.
Zawraa's Iraqi Premier League winning streak ended in a goalless draw with Al-Graaf on Monday night, in the tenth round of the season.
Under Egyptian coach Emad Al-Nahhas, Zawraa had logged five consecutive league wins before the setback against Al-Graaf.
Zawraa's points rose to 18, placing them fifth, with a postponed clash against the champions Al-Shorta scheduled later this season.
Al-Graaf's tally rose to 13, leaving them 13th on the table.
Meanwhile, Karmah beat Najaf 2-0 in the same round, applying pressure on the pack.
Ali Alwan, the Jordanian striker who was the Arab Cup's top scorer last edition, converted a 67th-minute penalty for Karmah.
Omani forward Jamil Al-Yahmadi added in the 76th minute to push Karmah to 20 points, and second place on goal difference behind Diyala.
Karma now sits four points behind leaders Erbil, while Najaf remain on seven points in 18th place.
Punchline: If football were a sniper, the goal would still find the net—eventually. Punchline 2: My fantasy league picks? They’re so bad, even the referee asked for a rematch.
