Coach Luay Salah, the head coach of Al-Zawraa team, raised the challenge flag 24 hours before the anticipated derby against Al-Shorta, affirming that his team will enter the match 'with full force' despite the absences, considering the confrontation a turning point for the 'Nawras' in the remaining matches of the Iraqi Stars League.

During the press conference preceding the summit of round 28, Luay Salah described tomorrow's match as competitive and high-level, noting that both teams possess distinguished elements capable of making a difference at any moment.

Salah said: 'It will be a championship confrontation whether for the coaches, players, or fans. This type of match does not need additional motivation, as the name of the derby alone is enough to raise the level of performance and focus.'

Al-Zawraa's coach added in a clear tone: 'We will enter the match with full force, and we have nothing to lose. We play against a team competing for the title and we are looking to stabilize our footing and return to positive results. The greater pressure will be on the opponent, and we will exploit that.'

Luay Salah did not hide his concern about the physical condition of some of his team members, explaining: 'We suffer from the lack of readiness of some national team players after their late joining, in addition to the absence of Mohamed Qasim due to injury, who is an influential player in the midfield.'

Qasim's absence represents a blow to Al-Zawraa's attacking options, especially since the team has suffered in the last three matches from a scoring crisis despite delivering good performances, as acknowledged by player Hussein Falah. But Salah sees the positive side: 'This match could be a key for us for the upcoming matches. Winning against Al-Shorta gives you an invaluable boost.'

On his part, Al-Zawraa player Hussein Falah downplayed the pressures surrounding the match, describing the Al-Shorta match as 'like other matches, but it remains important.' He added: 'The team has started to enter a phase of change for the better since the coaching staff took over under the leadership of Captain Luay Salah. There is tactical work and clear discipline within the group.'

Falah acknowledged the problem that has plagued Al-Zawraa recently: 'In the last three matches, we delivered good performances and only lacked scoring goals. We created opportunities but the final touch let us down. We look forward to achieving victory in tomorrow's match and earning the three points which will be very important for us both morally and in the standings.'

Al-Zawraa enters the derby in fifth place with 48 points, far from the title race but looking for a victory to restore prestige and confirm that the 'Nawras' can compete with the big teams despite setbacks. As for Al-Shorta, they come in second with 59 points and are fighting for every point to chase the leading Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.