Fathi Al-Jabali explains reasons for loss against Duhok

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya continue to struggle in the Iraq Stars League with another defeat, this time against hosts Duhok by a score of 2-1, in a match that took place this evening at Duhok Stadium during the fifth round.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's loss is their first of the season after four draws, leaving them with only 4 points in 14th place, as the defending champions are yet to secure a victory.

Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's coach appeared at the press conference after the match visibly affected by the result, stating: "We started the match very well, and we scored the opening goal through Saad Abdulameer with a header in the 16th minute, and we could have doubled the score."

He added: "In the first half, the team was organized defensively and offensively, and we missed the chance to extend our lead, even the penalty saved by Mohammed Saleh in stoppage time gave us a morale boost."

Saad Abdulameer stated: "The problem was in the second half. We physically dropped and lost focus, and Duhok took advantage of that, scoring from a penalty and then a killer goal in the 90th minute. This is not befitting a team the size of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya."

Saad Abdulameer concluded his remarks by stating: "The situation is difficult and we are well aware of that. 4 points in 5 matches is absolutely unacceptable. We need to work harder and address our mistakes quickly, because the fans are expecting us to return and win, and we owe them an apology."

Team player Murad Mohammed stated: "The match was in our hands. We took the lead with a goal and missed a penalty that could have changed everything."

Saad Abdulameer stated: "In the second half, we were not at the required level. Duhok was better and deserved the win, and we take responsibility as players."

Saad Abdulameer stated: "We know that the fans of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya are angry, and they have the right to be. We are the champions of the last edition and we cannot continue like this. We apologize to them and promise to come back strongly in the upcoming matches."

Murad concluded: "There is no time to stand still at all. The league is long and we can still make up for it, but we must start from the next match with a different fighting spirit."