Newroz SC delivered a controlled 2-0 victory over Al-Mina’a SC in the Iraq Stars League on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Newroz Stadium. Goals from Ahmed Sabri and Mohammed Qasim gave the home side a deserved win, while a solid defensive display secured a clean sheet in front of their supporters.

Match overview

Newroz SC started brightly and dictated the rhythm of the game from midfield. Their high press forced Al-Mina’a into several early mistakes, and the opener arrived in the 34th minute when Ahmed Sabri timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross and guide the ball past the goalkeeper. Al-Mina’a tried to respond before half-time, but Newroz’s back line stayed compact and limited the visitors to shots from distance.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Newroz remained patient in possession and doubled their lead in the 78th minute through Mohammed Qasim, who finished off a swift counterattack with a precise strike into the bottom corner. Al-Mina’a pushed forward in the closing stages, but Newroz managed the game intelligently and rarely looked like surrendering their advantage.

Key moments

• 34’ — Newroz SC goal: Ahmed Sabri opened the scoring with a first-time finish after a well-worked move down the flank.
• 52’ — Al-Mina’a chance: A long-range effort forced a diving save from the Newroz goalkeeper.
• 78’ — Newroz SC goal: Mohammed Qasim sealed the win with a composed finish on the counterattack.
• 84’ — Defensive block: Newroz cleared a dangerous Al-Mina’a cross to preserve the clean sheet.

Tactical story

Newroz SC set up in a 4-2-3-1 and used their wide players aggressively, stretching Al-Mina’a’s defensive block. The midfield pair screened the back four effectively, allowing the full-backs to join attacks. Al-Mina’a struggled to build through the middle and were often reduced to hopeful crosses. When they did commit numbers forward, Newroz punished them with quick transitions, especially in the second half.

Standout players

Ahmed Sabri was influential throughout, linking play and scoring the crucial opening goal. Mohammed Qasim’s second-half strike showed excellent composure, while the Newroz goalkeeper deserved credit for a clean sheet. Al-Mina’a’s best performer was their central midfielder, who tried to drive the team forward, but he lacked support in the final third.

League impact

Newroz SC take three important points in the Iraq Stars League and strengthen their position in the upper half of the standings. The clean sheet will please the coaching staff as much as the goals. Al-Mina’a SC, meanwhile, will need to improve their away form after a performance that offered effort but too little cutting edge.