Fathi Al-Jabali Explains Reasons for Draw with Erbil in League

Al Quwa Al Jawiya managed to earn a valuable draw against their hosts Erbil, finishing 1-1 in a match held at the Francois Hariri Stadium during the second round of the Iraqi Premier League, with a dramatic goal scored by Anthony Okpotu in the 92nd minute.

Tunisian coach Fathi Al-Jabal expressed satisfaction with his team's late comeback.

He said: "I commend my players for their fighting spirit. To come back in the 92nd minute in front of a large crowd like Erbil's means we have the mentality of a big team."

He added: "The first half was balanced, and we executed the plan as we wanted. In the second half, we conceded an early goal that unsettled us a bit, but the important thing is that we did not lose hope."

He confirmed: "A point from Erbil and on their ground is good at the start of the season. But we aspire for more. Al Quwa Al Jawiya only accepts victory."

He clarified: "We have a lot of work to do on the physical side and on taking our chances. We need time to reach the level we want."

He continued: "The disallowed goal by Mustafa Qabeel? The referee made his decision, and we respect it. This is football. The important thing is that the players' reaction was positive."

He concluded: "I thank the fans who supported us until the end. We promise them that the future will be better, God willing."

Goalkeeper Mohamed Saleh spoke candidly about the match's events.

He mentioned: "Honestly, we feel disappointed. We were ahead in performance at many times and could have come away with three points."

He pointed out: "A positioning error cost us a goal. But the young players did not give up, and we tried until the end."

He added: "Okpotu deserves praise for his last-minute goal. He saved us with a very important point."

He stressed: "Erbil is a strong team with outstanding players, but we proved that Al Quwa Al Jawiya does not give up until the final whistle."

He added: "We apologize to the fans for not achieving victory. We promise to make it up in the next match. Your support is our strength."

With this draw, Al Quwa Al Jawiya raised their tally to two points from two consecutive draws, while Erbil reached four points.