Iraq Stars League heats up: Al-Shorta lead narrowly as Zakho stumble in round 27
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – A thrilling Round 27 that ended over the weekend has left the competition for the 2024–2025 Iraqi Stars League title extremely close. While rivals Zakho suffered a serious defeat, leaders Al-Shorta held onto their lead.
Al-Shorta moved up to 56 points on Saturday with a vital 1-0 victory against Al-Najaf, despite having played one fewer game than some of their opponents. Following their 2-1 victory against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in Thursday's Baghdad derby, Al-Zawra'a is just behind them with 55 points.
The round's biggest upset occurred on Friday when relegation-threatened Karbalaa shocked third-placed Zakho (52 points) 1-0, with Nour Al-Mustafa scoring a late winner (90+1′). This defeat narrowed the distance at the top and hurt Zakho's hopes of winning the title. After their derby loss, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya is still in fourth position with 44 points, tied with fifth-place Al-Talaba (who drew 1-1 with Al-Karma but still have a game in hand).
Karbalaa's victory at the bottom increased their chances of surviving with 21 points, while Naft Al-Basra holds the other relegation play-off berth with 23 points. Al-Hudood (13 points) and Diyala (18 points, game in hand) are still in the automatic relegation zone.
Mohanad Ali of Al-Shorta tops the top scorers' table with 20 goals, followed by Gustavo Henrique of Zakho with 16.
This Wednesday marks the start of Round 28, which will include important matches like Zakho vs. Naft Maysan and Al-Zawra'a vs. Al-Karma. On Thursday, leaders Al-Shorta will travel to Al-Mina'a.
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