Port Coach: We Played a Great Match and Were Close to Winning

About the level his team displayed in the match against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the 32nd round of the Iraqi Stars League, confirming that his players delivered a great match on all levels and were very close to achieving a valuable victory against one of the main competitors for the title.

The coach noted that the last-minute equalizing goal did not overshadow the remarkable performance that Al-Mina'a presented throughout the match, affirming that his team proved once again that they are capable of competing with the big teams, and that the players played with bravery and high discipline on the field, praising their fighting spirit.

He said: "We entered the match with great focus, respected the opponent, but we were not afraid of them, and the players translated our ideas on the field excellently, and we were the closest to deciding the match."

He continued: "We scored two goals in an organized manner, and we succeeded in closing spaces in front of the playmakers of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, especially during the first half where we were the better side."

He added: "Unfortunately, we conceded the equalizing goal at a critical time due to poor positioning on a set piece, and this does not diminish the team's great effort during the match at all."

He concluded: "Our team proves week after week that it has a clear identity and a strong character, and our results against big teams are the best evidence of that. Al-Mina'a should not be underestimated."

He added: "We will continue to deliver strong performances in the coming rounds, and we will fight to finish the season in the best possible way, because the Basra fans deserve a team that honors the city."