Three reasons to give Al Shorta victory over Al Seeb

Al-Shorta face Oman’s Al-Seeb tomorrow in the AFC Champions League Elite opener, carrying the motto 'nothing but victory'. The match, which will take place at Al Zawraa Stadium at 9:15 PM, is not just an opening game, but a key to early qualification and a chance to restore historical pride dating back to 1997.

Despite the significant absences led by Mohanad Ali, there are three strong reasons favoring the Green Lantern to achieve victory.

The main reason is that the match is taking place in Baghdad. Playing at Al Zawraa Stadium in front of more than 15,000 Green fans changes many equations.

Al-Shorta have turned Baghdad's stadiums into an Asian fortress in recent years, achieving significant victories in the AFC Champions League Elite against Saudi, Iranian, and Qatari clubs.

The Al-Shorta fans are known for their relentless pressure throughout 90 minutes, which unsettles any Gulf team coming to the capital.

Al Seeb arrives from Muscat with different weather and opposing fan atmospheres, which alone may give Al Shorta a 30% chance of victory before the whistle.

The second reason is purely psychological, represented by the new mentality instilled by Tunisian coach Sami Al-Trabelsi.

Al-Trabelsi made it clear in the press conference: "We have closed the chapter on the league... and our goal is to reach the final stages in Asia." This message reached the players.

The coaching staff is aware that everyone is dissatisfied with the team's sixth place in the Iraq Stars League with 12 points, but they have turned this pressure into motivation. The team has started to improve from match to match despite the many changes in the lineup, and the players are now playing with a desire to prove themselves.

Al Tarabulsī has quickly found a good combination and instilled in the players the idea that the match against Al Seeb is a 'match to prove character'. This burning desire for victory could be the difference against an Omani team that plays with less pressure.

The third reason is purely technical: the quality of the players available at Al-Shorta despite the absences.

Al-Shorta have players capable of making a difference at any moment.

- Jalal Hassan: A seasoned Asian player and a leader capable of protecting the goal in tough moments. His statements before the match confirm his mental readiness.

- *Alternative attacking line:* Mohanad Ali's absence is significant, but Al-Shorta have fast wingers capable of exploiting spaces behind Al-Seeb's defense.

- *Midfield:* It is the real strength of Al-Shorta, with the ability to control the pace of the match and quickly transition the ball from defense to attack.

In terms of market value and Asian experience, Al-Shorta have the upper hand over Al-Sib, who rely more on collective organization than individual solutions.