Erbil Secures Third Place in Iraq Stars League After Derby Victory

Erbil clinched third place in the Iraq Stars League following a 2-1 victory over Zakho in the Kurdistan derby during the 37th week of competition. The win brings Erbil to a total of 76 points, solidifying their position in the league standings. Christian Parco provided the offensive momentum for Erbil, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute and extending the lead with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Although Zakho’s Amjad Atwan narrowed the deficit in the 73rd minute, the hosts were unable to force an equalizer at Zakho Stadium. In other league action, Najaf hosted Al-Qasim at Najaf International Stadium in a match featuring two teams already relegated to the lower division. Despite Al-Qasim taking an early lead through Abdullah Basim in the 5th minute, Najaf secured a 2-1 comeback victory with late goals from Velimar Cruz in the 74th minute and Hussein Dhafer in stoppage time. The match between Najaf and Al-Qasim was marked by disciplinary action, resulting in red cards for Najaf’s Zeynel Abidin Raed and Al-Qasim’s Abdullah Basim.