Basem Qassem: We Want a Strong Start Against Al-Minaa and Aim for Three Points

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

The match comes at an important time for the Eagles following the signings made by the management this summer. Fans are waiting for a strong start that confirms the team's ambition to return to title contention.

Just hours before the match, Al-Zawraa's coach Basim Qasim and midfielder Hussein Falah spoke about the team's readiness and their vision for the upcoming clash.

Bassem Qassem said in his pre-match comments:

"The start of the league is always tough, and everyone wants to begin well. Today we play at home and in front of our fans, which is a big responsibility for us. Al-Zawraa has a great name and history that compels us to enter every match with the sole aim of winning."

He added: "We have been working on multiple 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 the opponent, he said: "Al-Minaa is 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, capitalize on half-chances, and at the same time be very alert to transitions. Any complacency could cost us."

He concluded: "The fans are eager for a strong start, and we are required to make them happy. We have big ambitions this season, but it starts here, with the first three points. The players are ready, and I trust them."

In his remarks, midfielder Hussein Fallah said:

"The atmosphere of the first match is different. The tension is there, but the excitement is greater. We play at 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: we play as one team, move the ball quickly, and don't rush. If we score the first goal, things will be easier, but even if the goal is delayed, we must stay focused."

Falah concluded: "The fans deserve the joy of a strong start to the season. We promised them that we would give our all. 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.