Al Quwa Al Jawiya Edge Derby Thriller Against Al Zawraa in Iraq Stars League

In a pulsating Baghdad derby, Al Quwa Al Jawiya defeated Al Zawraa 2-1 on May 21, 2026, to boost their hopes of a top-four finish in the Iraq Stars League. The match at Al Shaab Stadium lived up to its fierce rivalry billing, with both sides trading blows before a decisive second-half strike settled matters.

Match Overview

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams wary of making a mistake. Al Quwa Al Jawiya drew first blood in the 33rd minute when striker Hammadi Ahmad rose highest to head home a corner. Al Zawraa responded quickly, equalizing just before halftime through a well-worked free kick that was finished by midfielder Safaa Hadi.

The second half saw the tempo increase significantly. Al Quwa Al Jawiya regained the lead in the 61st minute when winger Amjad Attwan cut inside and unleashed a fierce shot into the top corner. Despite intense pressure from Al Zawraa in the final 20 minutes, the home side held on for a vital three points.

Key Moments

• 33' Goal: Hammadi Ahmad's towering header gave Al Quwa Al Jawiya the early advantage.
• 45'+1 Goal: Safaa Hadi's composed finish from a free kick brought Al Zawraa level.
• 61' Goal: Amjad Attwan's stunning solo effort proved to be the winner.
• 85' Red Card: Al Zawraa's left-back Alaa Abbas was sent off for a second yellow card, effectively ending their hopes of a late equalizer.

Match Impact

The victory moves Al Quwa Al Jawiya into third place in the standings, just three points behind leaders Al Shorta. For Al Zawraa, this defeat is a blow to their Asian qualification hopes, leaving them in sixth. The derby win also extends Al Quwa Al Jawiya's unbeaten run in home matches to eight games.

Al Quwa Al Jawiya will be hoping to carry this momentum into their next match against Naft Al-Wasat, while Al Zawraa must bounce back quickly against Al Talaba.