Zawraa’s late flourish and a two-goal thriller in Iraq’s Premier League

Round-up: Iraqi Premier League swap of goals and sparks

Zawraa continued their resurgence under Egyptian coach Emad Al-Nahas by defeating Nouruz 2-1 on Friday in the seventh round of the Iraqi Premier League.

Hassan Abdul Karim put Zawraa ahead in the 63rd minute from a penalty, but Nouruz levelled three minutes later through Ruha Yusuf. In the 74th minute, Abdul Karim struck again to seal the victory, extending Zawraa’s winning run to four matches under the current coach.

Zawraa climbed to 11 points, sitting seventh and five points behind the leaders Erbil, with a postponed first-round clash against Police still on the books. Nouruz, meanwhile, sit on three points in 18th position after one win and six losses this season.

Assistant coach Hussam Fawzi congratulated the fans and credited Nouruz’s new coaching staff for reshaping the side during the break. He added that the changes tilted the balance and that the players’ performance was excellent, even without a lengthy break.

Fawzi also praised Mohand Qasim as one of the best referees, while noting that some of the official decisions in the Nouruz game felt unfair to them.

Zawraa midfielder Mithm Jabbar thanked the fans and said the coaching staff’s ideas were being implemented, noting the goals came against a side that had utilised the break well.

Naft Maysan 2-2 Duhok

Duhok looked poised for victory after Montier Mohammed gave them the lead in the 37th minute, but Naft Maysan hit back through Hussein Talib in the 55th. Alaa Saad’s goal in the 79th briefly put Duhok ahead again, only for Peter Korkis to level from a late penalty in the 90+8 minute amid intense drama.

With the draw, Duhok moved to five points in 16th place, while Naft Maysan sat on 5 or 6 points depending on other results, still struggling near the bottom.

Al-Mosul overcomes Oil

Al-Mosul edged Oil 2-1 as the hosts led through Hossam Khalaf in the 38th minute before Alaa Al-Dali struck twice for the Mosul side (71st, 77th). Ghanaian Sata Mohammed was sent off in the 90+2, and Ibrahim Ghazi missed a late spot-kick for Oil in the 90+17.

Al-Mosul climbed to nine points in 13th, level on points with Oil on goal difference, ahead of a packed schedule.

Upcoming fixtures

The round continues with Al-Karma hosting Al-Minaa on Saturday, followed by Electricity hosting Diyala, Erbil welcoming Al-Ghraf, and Najaf facing Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. The week will conclude with Amana Baghdad vs Al-Talaba and Zakho vs Al-Qasim on Sunday.

Ahmed Abdul Jabbar, Electricity’s coach, said: “We face a tough test against Diyala, who play with a clear style and talented players. We aim to take three points to restore our real level.” He added that injuries will force rotation, but the goal is positive results.

Diyala coach Yamen Al-Zulfani noted that preparations were solid and that everyone is ready after a disappointing previous result.

Bassam Qasim, Erbil’s boss, warned that the match against a strong, well-equipped side would be hard but that keeping the lead remains the objective, adding that international breaks have affected player form, though it’s part of the national duty.

Al-Ghraf coach Haider Ubaid said they are up against the league leaders and that his side is fully prepared to perform well and collect points. He added that the break had some negative effects on physical and tactical aspects, especially given their current good form.

The Competition Committee later confirmed the eighth round would be postponed due to Arab Cup preparations from December 1-18.

Sniper-style punchlines: Football is basically sniping with a ball. If the goalkeeper keeps a clean sheet, you’re basically reading his diary by halftime. And remember, in football as in life, the only thing more dramatic than stoppage time is the fan reacting to a bad call—cue the popcorn and the despair Jedi mind tricks.