The Zakho basketball team secured a hard-fought 71–67 victory over Naft Missan on 20 July 2026, in an Iraq Premier League fixture that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The match, played at Naft Missan's home court, saw the visitors overcome a determined home side to claim two crucial points in the league standings. Zakho's defensive resilience in the closing minutes proved decisive as they held off a late Naft Missan rally.

Match Overview

From the opening tip-off, both teams displayed intense energy, with Naft Missan looking to capitalise on home-court advantage. The first quarter ended in a narrow 18–16 lead for the hosts, but Zakho responded strongly in the second period, outscoring Naft Missan 20–14 to take a 36–34 advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw the game tighten further, with Zakho edging ahead 52–48 heading into the final frame.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter surge: Zakho's guards found their rhythm from beyond the arc, sinking three consecutive three-pointers to turn a two-point deficit into a six-point lead.
• Naft Missan's fourth-quarter fightback: Trailing by nine points with six minutes left, Naft Missan mounted an 11–2 run to tie the game at 66–66 with two minutes remaining.
• Clutch free throws: Zakho's veteran forward connected on four free throws in the final minute, including two with 12 seconds left, to seal the win.

Tactical Story

Naft Missan relied heavily on their interior game, dominating the paint with second-chance points and drawing fouls. However, Zakho's zone defence disrupted their rhythm in the second half, forcing them into contested mid-range jumpers. Offensively, Zakho spread the floor effectively, using ball screens to create mismatches and open looks for their shooters. The visitors also controlled the glass on the defensive end, limiting Naft Missan to one-and-done possessions during critical stretches.

Standout Players

For Zakho, point guard Ahmed Rashid orchestrated the offence with 18 points and 7 assists, while centre Haider Mohammed added 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Naft Missan's top performer was forward Ali Jassim, who poured in 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. The home team also received a spark from bench guard Karim Saeed, who scored 11 points in the second half.

Impact on the League Table

The victory lifted Zakho into the top four of the Iraq Premier League standings, strengthening their playoff positioning. Naft Missan, meanwhile, slipped to eighth place, now three games below .500. With the regular season entering its final stretch, every result carries significant weight for both teams' postseason aspirations.