Basim Qasim: We want a strong start against Al-Minaa and aim to secure all three points

Al-Zawraa host Al-Minaa this evening, Saturday, at Al-Zawraa Stadium in Baghdad, at 9 PM local time, in the opening match of both teams in the Iraqi Premier League 2026-2027.

The match comes at an important time for the Seagulls after the signings made by the management this summer, and the fans are expecting a strong start that confirms the team's ambition to return to competing for the title.

Before the match, Al-Zawraa coach Basim Qasim and midfielder Hussein Falah spoke about the team's readiness and their vision for the encounter.

Bassem Qassem said in his remarks before the match:

"The start of the league is always difficult, and everyone wants to start well. Today we are playing at home and in front of our fans, and this is a big responsibility for us. Al-Zawraa has a big name and its history imposes on us to enter every match with the goal of winning only."

He added: "We have worked on several aspects during the past period. New faces have joined the team, and we tried to integrate them quickly with the existing group. The most important thing for me today is the spirit and mentality. We want players who enter the pitch with a fighting mentality from the first minute to the 90th minute."

Speaking about their opponent, he said: "Al-Mina'a are an organized team with good players, and their coach knows how to close spaces and play on the counter. Therefore, we must remain calm in our build-up, take advantage of half-chances, and at the same time be very alert to transitions. Any complacency could cost us."

The fans are eager for a strong start, and we must make them happy. Our ambitions are high this season, but they start here, with the first three points. The players are ready, and I trust them.

Midfielder Hussein Fallah spoke:

"The atmosphere of the first match is different. The tension is present, but the excitement is greater. We play in our stadium and in front of Al-Zawraa's fans, who are always the 12th player, and this gives us extra motivation."

He added: "Coach Bassem Qassem emphasized an important point to us: we play as one team, we move the ball quickly, and we do not rush. If we score the first goal, things will be easier, but even if the goal is delayed, we must remain focused."

Falah concluded: "The fans deserve the joy of the start of the season. We promised them that we would give our utmost. God willing, we will come out tonight with three points and a performance that satisfies them and marks a correct beginning to our journey."

The match kicks off at 9 PM, with Al-Zawraa looking for a perfect start, while Al-Minaa hopes to snatch a positive result from the heart of Baghdad.