Fathi Al-Jabail: It was a tough match and we must focus on what is coming

Al Quwa Al Jawiya settled for a 3-3 draw against their hosts Nawruz in a match that took place at the Sulaymaniyah Stadium during the first round of the Iraqi Premier League. The encounter witnessed six goals and dramatic twists right up until the final minutes of stoppage time.

Despite trailing twice, the Falcons managed to come back and avoid an opening defeat, a point noted by Tunisian coach Fathi Jebali and team captain Saad Abdul Amir after the match.

Coach Fathi Al-Jabali said in the press conference after the match:

"At the start, we entered the match with great focus and managed to score an early goal that gave us the advantage. However, after that, we physically and mentally regressed, allowing Nowruz to come back strongly and exploit the spaces we left."

He added: "We conceded three goals in the first half and that is a significant number for a team of our stature. We spoke at half-time about the need to correct defensive mistakes and return to tactical discipline, and we urged the players to play with the spirit of eagles and not to give up."

Al-Jabali continued: "In the second half, our performance improved significantly. We reorganized ourselves and pressed better, managing to reduce the deficit and then equalize in stoppage time. This comeback reflects the character of the team and the determination of the players, but we need to learn from our mistakes to avoid repeating them."

The Tunisian coach concluded: "One point is not what we came for, but under the circumstances of the match, it is considered a positive point. We have a lot of work ahead, and the league is long. We will work on addressing the negative aspects and building on the spirit that emerged in the last half hour."

For his part, Al Quwa Al Jawiya midfielder and team captain Saad Abdul Amir said:

"To be honest, we were not satisfied with our performance in the first half. We conceded easy goals that were far from our level, and that cost us a lot. Nowruz took advantage of our decline and scored from the chances that were given to him."

He added: "But the character of Al Quwa Al Jawiya emerged in the second half. We talked among ourselves and agreed to play as one man and fight until the end. Thank God we managed to come back and score two goals that gave us an important point."

Regarding the late equaliser, he said: "This is the mentality of the Falcons. We do not give up until the final whistle. We deserved more than a point if we had taken some of our chances, but at the start of the league, the most important thing is to begin without a loss."

Saad concluded: "We dedicate this point to our fans who always support us. We promise them that the future will be better, and we will work with the coaching staff to correct the mistakes and appear stronger in the next round."

With this draw, both teams earned one point in their opening match of the league. Al Quwa Al Jawiya left partially satisfied with the result due to their strong comeback, while Nawruz felt the loss after squandering a comfortable lead of three goals to one.

The Falcons are now awaiting their second-round match against Arbil, aiming to secure their first three points of the season and make up for what they missed in Sulaymaniyah.