Dhi Qar Edges Al-Talaba in Season Opener
Dhi Qar claimed a 2:1 victory over Al-Talaba in the opening round of the Iraqi League on Friday. The hosts took the lead in the first half before a late flurry of goals decided the contest. S. Rasheed struck first with a goal in the 19th minute, and here's the thing — it was that early spell that set the tone for what followed.
Al-Talaba levelled through M. Khudair in the 84th minute, only for S. Ahmed to restore Dhi Qar's advantage three minutes later. By then, the momentum had shifted decisively. The visitors had camped in the final third for long periods, but the hosts saw the game out when it mattered.
Both sides shared possession evenly at 50 per cent, though Al-Talaba registered more attacks with 85 compared to Dhi Qar's 76. Shots tell a different story — six on target for the hosts against four for the visitors. Three yellow cards each kept the match from fracturing, and neither side saw red.
The result lifts Dhi Qar off the bottom of their group standings. They sit 12th with five points from five matches, having secured their first victory of the campaign. Al-Talaba remain rooted to 18th place with three points and still no win — their draw streak continues.
What this match showed was a team that refused to let the game slip away. Dhi Qar held their nerve after going behind late, and that character might prove worth more than possession statistics in the months ahead.