Zakho Strikes Twice to Stun Al-Shorta and Seize Top Spot in Iraqi League

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a roaring spectacle under the floodlights of Zakho International Stadium, Zakho SC stunned title-contenders Al-Shorta with a commanding 2-0 win on Matchday 26 of the Iraqi Stars League.

With over 35,000 passionate fans packing the stands, the club produced a dazzling performance that not only electrified the home crowd but also sent shockwaves through the league table.

The high-octane clash marked Zakho's third triumph over Al-Shorta in as many seasons—a feat no other team has achieved during that span. This latest victory catapulted Zakho back to the top of the league standings with 52 points, leapfrogging Al-Shorta, who now sit in third place with 50 points and two games in hand.

Zakho’s resurgence was spearheaded by goalkeeper Ali Kazem, whose heroic saves throughout the match earned him the Man of the Match honor. Kazem’s calm presence and sharp reflexes proved pivotal in keeping a clean sheet against one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides.

The breakthrough came early in the 20th minute, when Zakho’s forward Echeta Ugonna Deputy latched onto a clever through ball and fired a low shot past Al-Shorta’s keeper to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The crowd erupted in celebration as Deputy raced to his teammates piling on in jubilation.

Al-Shorta, desperate to claw their way back into the game, pressed forward in waves. But their efforts were consistently repelled by a disciplined Zakho backline and the unyielding Kazem between the posts. As the minutes ticked down, frustration began to mount for the visitors.

Then came the dagger. In the dying moments of regular time, midfielder Amjad Attwan slotted home Zakho’s second goal to put the result beyond doubt. The stadium exploded once more, knowing that victory was firmly in their grasp.

The final whistle confirmed a historic result: Al-Shorta, the two-time league champions, had fallen once again to Zakho—the only team to beat them twice in a single season since Naft Maysan did it in 2015.

This landmark win not only boosts Zakho’s title hopes but also reignites dreams in a city that has long yearned for footballing glory. With just a handful of matches left in the campaign, the Iraqi Stars League is heading for a dramatic finish—and Zakho is leading the charge.

Kurdistan24 Sports Desk Correspondent Asaad Ismael contributed to this report.