Three keys for Al Quwa Al Jawiya to overcome Nawruz

Al Quwa Al Jawiya begin their title defence tomorrow with a tough away match against Nawruz at the Sulaymaniyah Stadium, in the opening of the new season of the Iraqi Premier League.

With full readiness and tickets for the match sold out 48 hours in advance, the 'Falcons' are betting on three essentials to return with points from the first match.

Al-Jaish enter the match as the defending champions, which alone gives the players added confidence before any encounter.

Coach Fathi Al-Jabali has stated that his team will enter the match with the identity of last season's champion, and everyone knows the history of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

The identity of the team means they do not play for a point, but to impose control from the first minute. Al-Jawiya players are accustomed to pressing and have a history of winning in big matches, which will make them more cohesive even if the team falls behind or faces crowd pressure in Sulaymaniyah.

Al Quwa Al Jawiya has a blend of experience and youth, with most of their players having faced crucial matches both domestically and in Asia.

The presence of names like captain Saad Abdul Amir, who spoke about 25 training sessions and a successful camp in Egypt, gives the team balance in managing the match.

Since his arrival, Tunisian Fathi Jebali has succeeded in instilling a 'winning mentality' in the dressing room. The desire has become evident on the players' faces and in their training.

Al-Jabali does not want a stuttering start and knows that the first 3 points provide a huge morale boost for the team and confirm to everyone that Al-Jaish are coming to defend the title.

The desire is not just talk; it has been evident in Egypt's camp, in the seriousness of the training, and in the determination of the new players to prove themselves under a coach with a strong personality.

"The league is long and requires everyone's cooperation," said Al-Jabali, but a strong start is what shapes the journey.

In the last season, the two teams met twice: Al-Jaish won once and they drew once, which means that the encounters are always open.