Diala 0-2 Al Shorta | Iraq Stars League | 16 May 2026

Al Shorta secured a professional 2-0 away victory over Diala in the Iraq Stars League on 16 May 2026, moving closer to the league summit. The match, played at the Ba’quba Stadium, saw the Baghdad giants dominate despite a spirited defensive effort from the home side.

Match Report

Al Shorta, one of Iraq's most decorated clubs, came into the fixture aiming to close the gap on league leaders Al Quwa Al Jawiya. Diala, based in Diyala Province, were fighting for a mid-table finish and hoped to cause an upset on home turf. However, the class difference was evident from the opening stages.

Al Shorta took the lead in the 23rd minute through a well-worked team goal. Winger Ali Mohsin received a pass on the right flank, cut inside, and played a one-two with striker Alaa Abbas before slotting past the Diala goalkeeper. The visitors controlled possession throughout the first half, with Diala rarely threatening. The second half followed a similar pattern, and Al Shorta doubled their lead in the 68th minute. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and defender Mustafa Nadhim rose highest to head home from close range. Diala pushed forward in the final 20 minutes but lacked precision in the final third.

Key Moments

• 23' – Diala 0-1: Ali Mohsin finishes a lovely passing move.
• 68' – Diala 0-2: Mustafa Nadhim heads in from a corner.
• 82' – Diala miss: The best home chance, a header from Ahmed Fadhel, saved by Al Shorta keeper Ahmed Basil.

League Implications

The victory lifted Al Shorta into second place in the Iraq Stars League, two points behind leaders Al Quwa Al Jawiya, who also won on the same night (against Al Talaba). Diala remained in ninth place, with their hopes of a top-six finish fading. Al Shorta's defensive solidity was notable – they have now kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.

Star Performers

Ali Mohsin (Al Shorta): The winger was a constant threat, scoring the opener and creating several chances. His dribbling ability stretched the Diala defence and set the tone for the visitors' dominance.
Mustafa Nadhim (Al Shorta): The centre-back scored the crucial second goal and marshalled a defence that limited Diala to just two shots on target.

Post-Match Reaction

Al Shorta coach Hekmat Shaker praised his side's professionalism: "We knew Diala would be tough to break down, but we stayed patient and took our chances. The clean sheet was just as important as the goals." Diala manager Haider Kadhim rued missed opportunities: "We had a few moments, but against a team like Al Shorta, you have to be clinical. We weren't, and they punished us."

With the title race heating up, Al Shorta will look to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks, while Diala must regroup to secure a respectable finishing position.