Antalyaspor Dominate Zakho SC with Comfortable 3-0 Friendly Victory

Antalyaspor secured an emphatic 3-0 win over Iraqi side Zakho SC in an International Club Friendly on July 26, 2026, with the match kicking off at 21:00 local time. The Turkish Süper Lig side showcased superior fitness and technique, overwhelming their opponents with a dominant first-half performance that effectively settled the contest early.

Match Overview

Playing at their home training facility, Antalyaspor came out with intent from the first whistle. Zakho SC, still early in their preseason, struggled to cope with the tempo and precision of the hosts' passing. By half-time, Antalyaspor had already scored three times, allowing them to manage the second half with controlled possession and rotation of players.

Key Moments

• 14th minute – Goal: Antalyaspor opened the scoring through a well-worked move down the right flank. The right-back delivered a low cross into the box, where the striker applied a first-time finish past the helpless Zakho goalkeeper.
• 28th minute – Goal: A defensive lapse from Zakho allowed Antalyaspor's attacking midfielder to intercept a pass 30 yards from goal. He advanced and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner, doubling the lead.
• 41st minute – Goal: Antalyaspor sealed the first-half blitz with a third goal from a corner kick. The center-back rose highest to power a header into the net, leaving the Zakho defense rooted to the spot.
• Second half: The Turkish side made wholesale changes, bringing on several academy players. Despite reduced intensity, they still created a few chances but failed to add to the scoreline. Zakho managed their best spell of possession in the final 20 minutes but could not muster a clear shot on target.

Tactical Analysis

Antalyaspor deployed a fluid 4-3-3, with their full-backs pushing high to create overloads in wide areas. The midfield trio dominated the center, recycling possession quickly and finding penetrating passes. Zakho, in a 4-2-3-1, were overrun in the first half, struggling to press effectively and often losing second balls. The Iraqi side improved slightly after the break when Antalyaspor eased off, but they never looked likely to score.

Standout Players

• Antalyaspor's Attacking Midfielder (No. 10): Scored a stunning long-range goal and pulled the strings in the final third, completing 92% of his passes before being substituted.
• Antalyaspor Center-Back: A commanding presence at both ends, scoring from a set piece and organizing the backline to keep a clean sheet.

Match Impact

For Antalyaspor, the victory builds momentum ahead of the new Süper Lig season. Head coach will be pleased with the sharpness of the first-choice XI and the opportunity to give minutes to fringe players. Zakho SC, meanwhile, will treat this as a learning experience as they continue their preseason preparations against tougher European opposition. The 3-0 scoreline accurately reflected the gulf in quality on the night, with Antalyaspor showing why they are regarded as one of Turkey's competitive top-flight clubs.