Latest news with #GhazAl-Junoob
Iraqi News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Masafi Al-Shamal dominate first round of Iraqi volleyball 'Golden Square' playoffs
Najaf ( – Masafi Al-Shamal emerged undefeated to top the standings after the conclusion of the first gathering of the Iraqi Volleyball Premier League's 'Golden Square' championship playoff. The intense three-day round-robin tournament took place in Kufa, Najaf, from May 8th to 10th, 2025. Masafi Al-Shamal secured a perfect record with three victories, earning 8 points. Their campaign included a clean 3-0 sweep against Ghaz Al-Junoob (25-20, 26-24, 25-18), another 3-0 win over Erbil (25-17, 25-18, 25-18), and a crucial 'marathon' 3-2 victory against rivals Al-Shorta (25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-9). Al-Shorta finished the first gathering in second place with 6 points from two wins and one loss. They defeated Erbil 3-0 and clinched a thrilling 3-2 win against Ghaz Al-Junoob (24-26, 25-23, 25-17, 20-25, 17-15) in their final match. Ghaz Al-Junoob secured third place with 4 points, their sole victory coming 3-0 against Erbil (25-22, 25-23, 25-18). Erbil ended the round in fourth with no points. The opening gathering was not without contention, as some fans alleged clear refereeing bias against Erbil during their 0-3 loss to Al-Shorta on the first day. The championship battle now moves to Baghdad for the second and final gathering, scheduled for May 15th, 16th, and 17th, where the 2024-2025 Iraqi volleyball league champion will be crowned.
Iraqi News
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraqi Volleyball Elite League concludes; top 4 set for Baghdad championship playoff
Baghdad ( – The 14-round second stage (Elite League) of the Iraqi Volleyball Premier League concluded this week, finalizing the lineup for the decisive championship playoff. The top four teams now advance to battle for the 2024-2025 league title in the upcoming 'Big Four' tournament hosted in Baghdad. In the final round's key matches, Masafi Al-Shamal secured the top spot by defeating Ghaz Al-Junoob 3-1, finishing with 35 points. Al-Shorta cemented second place (33 points) with an important 3-1 victory over a resurgent Erbil side. Despite the loss, Erbil finished third (27 points), capping off an impressive run. Ghaz Al-Junoob claimed the fourth and final playoff spot, also on 27 points. Notably, Erbil achieved their playoff qualification relying entirely on local players, without any professional foreign imports – a significant accomplishment highlighted by observers. Anticipation is high for the championship playoff in Baghdad, with analysts expecting intense competition among the four qualified teams: Masafi Al-Shamal, Al-Shorta, Erbil, and Ghaz Al-Junoob. While some fans favour top seeds Masafi Al-Shamal or Al-Shorta, the high level shown throughout the season, marked by many exciting five-set matches, promises a thrilling final battle for the Iraqi volleyball crown.
Iraqi News
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Masafi Al-Shamal maintains slim lead over Al-Shorta in Iraqi Volleyball League after R10
Baghdad ( – The results of the 10th round of the 2024–2025 Iraqi Men's Premier Volleyball League kept the fight for the championship close, particularly between leaders Masafi Al-Shamal and Al-Shorta, who were separated by just one point. With a crucial 3-1 victory over Al-Peshmerga, which included winning a lengthy first set 33-31, Masafi Al-Shamal effectively maintained their lead and increased their point total to 26. Al-Shorta gained two vital points after defeating Nineveh 3-2 (15-10 in the tie-breaker) after a grueling five-set match. They are now within 25 points of the leader as a result. Erbil SC defeated Al-Muqdadiya 3-0 in Round 10 as well, securing third place (20 points) despite hotly disputed 26-24 scoreline in all three sets. Ghaz Al-Junoob (South Gas) defeated Al-Daghara 3-0 on the road to solidify their hold on fourth position (18 points). Following these outcomes, the top rankings—first Masafi Al-Shamal (26 points), second Al-Shorta (25 points), third Erbil (20 points), and fourth South Gas (18 points)—confirm the close battle. Now, attention turns to Round 11, which is set for Thursday, April 10. Prior to their much-anticipated Round 12 matchup, leaders Masafi Al-Shamal go to Nineveh, while second-place Al-Shorta travels to Al-Daghara. A crucial matchup between third-place Erbil and fifth-place Al-Peshmerga is also included in the round. The Iraqi Volleyball League promises more exciting combat with just one point separating the leaders, increasing anticipation for the pivotal Round 12 matchup between Masafi Al-Shamal and Al-Shorta.
