Al Hussein and Al Qasim SC played out a competitive 1-1 draw in the Iraq Premier Division on Friday, October 2, 2026. A late equaliser from Al Qasim SC cancelled out Al Hussein’s first-half goal, leaving both teams to share the points in a match that had chances at both ends.

Match Overview

Al Hussein started the stronger side and took the lead in the 31st minute when their captain, Ali Hussein, scored with a powerful header from a corner. The home side controlled much of the first half, moving the ball quickly and forcing Al Qasim SC into defensive positions. Al Qasim SC struggled to create clear openings before the break, managing just two shots on target in the first 45 minutes.

The second half was a different story. Al Qasim SC came out with renewed urgency and pushed more players forward. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when substitute Mustafa Jassim equalised with a low shot from the edge of the box. Both teams had chances to win it late on, but a combination of good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing kept the score level. Al Qasim SC were reduced to ten men in the 88th minute when defender Hussein Ali received a second yellow card, but Al Hussein could not capitalise.

Key Moments

• 31’ – Goal: Ali Hussein heads Al Hussein into a 1-0 lead from a corner.
• 45+1’ – Chance: Al Qasim SC’s best first-half moment ends with a shot wide from inside the box.
• 74’ – Goal: Mustafa Jassim equalises for Al Qasim SC with a composed finish from 18 yards.
• 82’ – Save: Al Hussein goalkeeper Ahmed Basil makes a crucial save to deny Al Qasim a second.
• 88’ – Red card: Hussein Ali is sent off for Al Qasim SC after a second booking.

Tactical Story

Al Hussein set up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, looking to control midfield and use their wide players to stretch the opposition. They dominated the first half by pressing high and winning the ball back quickly. Al Qasim SC started in a 4-2-3-1 but were forced to switch to a more direct 4-4-2 after the break, which changed the flow of the game.

The introduction of Mustafa Jassim gave Al Qasim SC a focal point in attack, and his movement caused problems for the Al Hussein defence. However, the red card late on forced them to defend deep in the final minutes. Al Hussein pushed forward in search of a winner but found the Al Qasim goalkeeper in excellent form. The draw was a fair reflection of a balanced contest.

Standout Players

Ali Hussein was excellent for Al Hussein, scoring the opening goal and leading by example. Goalkeeper Ahmed Basil made several important saves, including a late stop that preserved the draw. For Al Qasim SC, Mustafa Jassim changed the game after coming on, and midfielder Haider Adnan worked tirelessly in the middle. Defender Hussein Ali was solid until his late dismissal.

League Impact

The draw leaves both teams in mid-table in the Iraq Premier Division, with Al Hussein and Al Qasim SC separated by just a point. Al Hussein will feel they dropped two points after controlling the first half, while Al Qasim SC will be encouraged by their second-half comeback. Both sides have important fixtures ahead as they look to climb the standings and challenge for a top-half finish.