Police Seek First League Win Against Al-Karma

Al-Shorta is gearing up for a tough test away from home as they visit Al-Karmah tomorrow evening, in the second round of the 2026-2027 Iraqi Premier League.

The match starts at 9 PM Baghdad time at Al-Jawlan Stadium in Anbar Province, western Iraq, in a clash both sides eagerly await after a balanced start for both.

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

The Police Club management has strengthened the team this summer with excellent signings, most notably the return of striker Mohanad Ali, who is back to don the club's colors once again. 'Mimi's' return has provided a significant morale boost to the attack, and he is expected to play a key role in tomorrow's lineup to lead the front line.

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

On the other hand, Al-Karma will play the match at home in Anbar, which gives them an extra motivation to achieve a positive result. The Anbar team has also strengthened its squad with strong signings and includes standout players capable of making a difference.

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

Coach Moamen Soliman is focusing during the recent training sessions on closing down spaces in front of Al-Shorta's playmakers, while relying on quick counter-attacks to exploit any advances from the visitors' defense.

Last season's meetings between the two teams were closely fought. In the first leg, Al-Shorta won narrowly with a 1-0 scoreline, while the return match in Anbar ended in a 1-1 draw. These results 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 Police. A second consecutive draw could put the team under pressure early on, while a victory would immediately bring them back into the competition.

Al-Karma is striving to prove that their draw with Mosul was no fluke, and that their home ground will be a tough challenge for all the top teams this season.