Bassem Qassim: We played a great match and I think we deserved to win

Al Zawraa's coach Basim Qassim and player Mohammed Qassim expressed their disappointment over the two lost points after a last-minute 2-2 draw against Mosul this evening at the François Hariri Stadium, in the fifth round of the Iraq Stars League.

Bassem Qassim said in the press conference after the match: "In the first half, the team showed a very impressive performance, we controlled the ball, imposed our style, scored a goal, and ended the first half leading and in possession."

He added: "In the second half, Mosul pressed harder and tried to come back, and we managed the match to maintain our lead and organize the back lines by introducing some players and playing with more defenders to secure the result."

The coach stated: "The result does not reflect what we presented. We were the closest to winning, but football rewards those who fight until the last moment. Mosul is a special team this season and managed to take advantage of some moments and came away with an important point."

Qassim concluded his remarks: "We must learn from this experience. The league is long and we are still at the top, and we will work on correcting the mistakes in the upcoming matches."

Mohammed Qassim, who scored Al Zawraa's first goal, said: "We entered the match with a winning mentality only and succeeded in taking the lead and delivering a good performance in the first half."

He added: "In the second half, we dropped back a little and Mosul had more possession and threatened our goal several times. We lost focus in the final minutes and that cost us the three points."

He continued: "The equalizing goal in the 96th minute is very difficult for the players and the fans. But this is football. The important thing now is to close the chapter on this match and think about what’s next."

Mohammed Qassim concluded: "The team is doing well and we are achieving positive results. We will come back stronger in the next round and make it up to our fans."