Latest news with #MasafiAl-Shamal
Iraqi News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Kings of the Court: Masafi Al-Shamal crowned Iraqi volleyball champions
Baghdad ( – After weeks of intense competition culminating in the 'Golden Square' playoffs held in Kufa and Baghdad, Masafi Al-Shamal have been crowned champions of the 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball Premier League! Their journey to the title was reportedly sealed with a crucial victory over Al-Shorta before the final day's play in the second gathering, showcasing their season-long dominance. Reflecting on their triumph, Masafi Al-Shamal's #15, Omar Ali, told IraqiNews, 'I feel very proud to be part of this amazing team. I am very grateful for the coach, the management, and all of my fellow players; everyone has done an extreme effort and this achievement is the result of months of hard work and dedication.' While Masafi Al-Shamal had secured the championship, the concluding playoff matches still delivered significant drama for the final placings. Last year's champions, Ghaz Al-Junoob, fought hard to claim the runner-up spot for the season, impressively defeating the new champions Masafi Al-Shamal in their final encounter. In other crucial final ranking matches, Al-Shorta secured third position despite a concluding loss to a spirited Erbil side, who finished fourth. Throughout the playoffs, individual brilliance shone. In a fiercely contested earlier 'Golden Square' match between Al-Shorta and Masafi Al-Shamal (reportedly a 3-1 win for Masafi that clinched the title early), Al-Shorta's #10, Mohammed Kareem Abdullah, was a standout. He played a 'very competitive match' and led his team to win a set with his exciting play, even though Masafi's overall defense was noted as stronger in that pivotal encounter. The 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball League has now concluded, marking Masafi Al-Shamal as the deserving champions after a season filled with high-level play and thrilling contests.
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
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraqi Volleyball Championship playoff set: 'Golden Square' begins May 8th in Najaf/Kufa
Baghdad ( – The final stage of the 2024-2025 Iraqi Volleyball Premier League championship is set to begin next week. The Iraqi Volleyball Federation has announced the schedule for the first gathering of the decisive 'Golden Square' (Top 4) playoff, commencing on Thursday, May 8th, 2025. The four teams qualifying from the Elite League stage – Masafi Al-Shamal, Al-Shorta, Erbil, and Ghaz Al-Junoob – will compete for the national title. The first leg of the finals will take the form of a round-robin tournament held over three consecutive days (May 8-10) at the Kufa Club Hall in Najaf Al-Ashraf governorate. Key matchups include Masafi Al-Shamal vs Ghaz Al-Junoob and Erbil vs Al-Shorta on Thursday (May 8th). Friday (May 9th) features the crucial clash between league stage leaders Masafi Al-Shamal and runners-up Al-Shorta. The first gathering concludes Saturday (May 10th) with matches including Masafi Al-Shamal vs Erbil. This tournament marks the beginning of the final battle for the Iraqi volleyball championship, promising high-level competition among the nation's best clubs.
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
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraqi volleyball shocker: Erbil beat Masafi
Baghdad ( – Just when the script for the Iraqi Volleyball Elite League seemed written, Erbil SC ripped it up in Round 13. In a pulsating five-set thriller on Sunday (April 20th), a resurgent Erbil side ended the dominant winning streak of league leaders Masafi Al-Shamal, clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory (23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 17-15). This marked Erbil's impressive sixth consecutive win, throwing a fascinating curveball into the season's narrative. For weeks, teams have been focusing on the top to qualify for the prestigious Top 4 playoff. The ultimate league champion will be crowned only after these four elite teams battle it out in a final tournament hosted in Baghdad. So, while Masafi Al-Shamal's earlier win against rivals Al-Shorta was crucial, it cemented their place in the Baghdad showdown, not the overall title. Both Al-Shorta and Masafi Al-Shamal have now officially booked their tickets to the final playoff round, navigating a highly competitive season. But who will join them? According to sources, at least one crucial spot remains undecided, adding immense pressure to the final Round 14 fixtures scheduled for Friday, April 25th. The results of these matches will determine which team(s) secure the remaining coveted places in the Baghdad finals. This season has been lauded for its excitement, with numerous matches stretching to a deciding fifth set – a testament, as observers note, to the rising technical level across the league and the federation's efforts in fostering thrilling competition. As the Elite League phase nears its end, the real battle is just beginning, promising a dramatic conclusion in the capital.
