Al-Shorta seek first league win against Al-Karma

Al-Shorta are set to face a tough away test against Al-Karmah tomorrow evening in the second round of the Iraqi Premier League 2026-2027.

The match kicks off at 9 PM Baghdad time at the Al-Jawlan Stadium in Anbar Province, western Iraq, in a clash both sides are eagerly anticipating after a balanced start for both.

The four-time defending champions enter the match looking for their first three points of the season after drawing 1-1 at home against newly promoted Karbala in the opening round. The draw was not part of the coaching staff's calculations, who were aiming for a strong start to confirm the team's readiness to maintain their dominance.

Al-Shorta have bolstered their squad this summer with excellent signings, most notably the return of striker Mohanad Ali, who is back to wear the club's jersey once again. Mimi's return has provided a significant morale boost to the attack, and he is expected to be a key presence in tomorrow's lineup to lead the front line.

The ambition is clear within the club: to fiercely compete for the title and prove that last season was not the end of an era, but merely a break.

In contrast, Al-Karma will play the match at home in Anbar, which gives them an additional incentive to achieve a positive result. The Anbar team has also strengthened its squad with strong signings and includes outstanding players capable of making a difference.

Al-Karma opened their campaign with an away draw against Mosul 1-1, and they hope to leverage home advantage and the support of their fans against a former champion to secure their first win of the season and send a message that they are not an ordinary team in the league.

Coach Moamen Soliman focuses during the final training sessions on closing spaces against Al-Shorta's key players and relying on quick counter-attacks to exploit any advances from the visitors' defense.

Last season's encounters between the two teams were closely contested. In the first leg, Al-Shorta won narrowly with a single goal, while the return match in Anbar ended in a 1-1 draw. These figures confirm that Al-Karma has become a tough opponent and is not easily overcome, even against the league's top teams.

Tomorrow's match leaves no room for half measures for Al-Shorta. A second consecutive draw could put the team under pressure early, while a win would immediately bring them back into contention.

Al-Karma are looking to prove that their draw with Mosul was no fluke, and that their ground will be tough for all the big teams this season.