Erbil began their new campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Al-Qaraba in the opening match of the Iraq League season on 16 August 2026. The result puts the hosts top of the table from the word go, while the visitors remain rooted near the bottom. and here's the thing — Erbil have not lost in five games, whereas Al-Qaraba have yet to taste victory.
Miullen broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, finishing what looked like a well-worked move. To be fair, the timing meant Al-Qaraba had barely settled before they were suddenly behind. The hosts did not panic; they kept their shape and waited for the right moment.
Five minutes later A. Hzair doubled the advantage. By then the visitors had already conceded two shots on target and were chasing the game without much structure. Erbil's second goal came from sustained pressure rather than a fluke, and it effectively closed the contest.
The statistics tell a familiar story. Erbil had 42 per cent possession but produced six shots on target to Al-Qaraba's three, and they converted twice from those efforts. The hosts recorded 96 attacks against 98 for the visitors, yet efficiency rather than volume decided the outcome.
Erbil sit first with 11 points from five games — three wins and two draws. Al-Qaraba occupy 17th place on four points from four draws and one defeat. The seven-point gap after one match may seem small, but the quality of results so far speaks volumes.
Whereas Erbil have won three of their last five including this one, Al-Qaraba's run of five games without victory stretches back to early June. They will need to find a way to break that pattern if they hope to climb out of trouble.