Al Shorta began their 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 home win against Zakho SC in the Iraq Stars League. The match, played on January 4th, was settled by a solitary goal from the hosts, showcasing their efficiency in a contest of few clear chances. The only goal of the game arrived midway through the first half, with Al Shorta's midfielder capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home. Zakho SC grew into the match after falling behind and created several promising situations, but their final touch let them down against a disciplined Al Shorta backline. This opening victory provided a positive start for Al Shorta as they aim to challenge for the title, while Zakho will look to be more clinical in front of goal in their upcoming fixtures.