Al-Zawra'a and Al-Shorta both win to stay level on points in tight Iraqi Stars League title race
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The intense battle for the Iraqi Stars League title continued on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) as both front-runners, Al-Zawra'a and Al-Shorta, secured crucial victories in Round 33 to remain locked on 71 points at the top of the table.
League leaders Al-Zawra'a overcame Naft Maysan 2-0, with goals from Ibrahim Tomiwa (15′) and Mundhir Al-Alawi (47′), despite finishing with ten men after Hussein Fallah's dismissal. Hot on their heels, Al-Shorta produced a dominant display, thrashing Al-Karma 4-0. Bassam Shakir opened the scoring, followed by a brace from league top scorer Mohanad Ali (now on 24 goals), and a late strike by Ahmed Farhan.
While both giants sit on 71 points, Al-Zawra'a currently hold the top spot (having played 33 games), likely due to tie-breaking rules. However, Al-Shorta (32 games played) crucially still hold one game in hand, which could be decisive in the thrilling championship run-in. Notably, new Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold was spotted observing the Al-Shorta match.
In other R33 action, Zakho consolidated third place (59 points) with a 4-0 win over Al-Hudood, while Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (53 points) defeated Karbala 4-1.
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