Al Shorta edged Al Gharraf 1-0 in a tightly contested Iraq Stars League match on May 11, 2026 at the Al‑Shorta Stadium. The Baghdad giants secured a valuable home win thanks to a first‑half strike that moved them closer to the top of the table.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the match with contrasting ambitions: Al Shorta chasing the league title, while Al Gharraf fought to avoid relegation. The opening quarter was scrappy, with heavy tackles and few clear opportunities. However, Al Shorta’s extra quality in the final third eventually told.

Key Moment

The decisive goal came in the 31st minute. A patient build‑up resulted in a cross from the left flank; Alaa Abbas met it with a glancing header that looped over the Al Gharraf goalkeeper and nestled into the far corner. That solitary strike proved enough for the home side to claim all three points.

Tactical Story

Al Shorta dominated possession but struggled to break down a deep‑lying Gharraf defense. The visitors packed the midfield and looked to hit on the counter through winger Ali Faisal, but Al Shorta’s center‑back pairing of Safaa Hadi and Saad Natiq remained alert. The home side’s persistence eventually paid off, and after the goal, they managed the game expertly, slowing the tempo to frustrate the opposition.

Standout Players

• Alaa Abbas (Al Shorta) – Scored the winner and led the line with intelligence.
• Safaa Hadi (Al Shorta) – Rock solid at the back, winning nearly every aerial duel.
• Haider Raad (Al Gharraf) – Made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Table Impact

Al Shorta’s victory lifted them to third place in the Iraq Stars League, just two points behind leaders Al Zawraa. Al Gharraf remain in the danger zone, now three points from safety with five games remaining.