Al-Najaf 1 – 4 Erbil SC
Iraq Stars League | 11 May 2026, 22:30

Match Report: Erbil Dominant in Away Rout

Erbil SC delivered a commanding performance to crush Al-Najaf 4-1 at Al-Najaf Stadium, strengthening their position in the top three of the Iraq Stars League. The visitors were ruthless in attack and solid in defence, leaving the home side with little answer.

First Half Blitz

Erbil needed just 11 minutes to take the lead. Winger Aso Rostam received a pass on the left, cut inside, and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner. Al-Najaf tried to respond but were caught out again in the 24th minute when striker Mohammed Ali found space at the back post to head home a cross from the right. The third goal came just before halftime as midfielder Hawar Mulla Mohammed smashed in a loose ball after a corner kick was only partially cleared. Al-Najaf pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through a penalty converted by Ahmed Yahya, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope.

Second Half: Erbil Restore Control

Any thoughts of a comeback were extinguished in the 54th minute when Erbil’s captain, Safaa Hadi, scored with a powerful header from a free-kick delivery. From that point on, Erbil managed the game expertly, keeping possession and snuffing out any Al-Najaf attacks. The home side had a few long-range efforts but failed to trouble the Erbil goalkeeper.

Star Performers

• Aso Rostam – The winger scored a stunning opener and was a constant threat with his direct running.
• Mohammed Ali – His goal and overall hold-up play helped Erbil dominate physically.
• Safaa Hadi – The captain anchored midfield and added a late goal to cap a perfect display.

Table Picture

Erbil’s emphatic win lifts them to third place, now just two points behind second-placed Al-Shorta. Al-Najaf drop to eighth, but remain in the mid-table pack with plenty of games left to climb.