Iraq's Zakho signs Uzbekistan striker Sherzod Temirov ahead of 2026-27 season

DUHOK, Iraq — Zakho Football Club in Iraq's Kurdistan Region has signed Uzbek forward Sherzod Temirov on a contract announced Friday, the club said. The 28-year-old striker, who finished as last season's top scorer in the Iraqi Premier League, will wear the jersey of the club known as the "Red Castle" for the 2026-27 campaign. Temirov previously played for Erbil, where his goalscoring form earned him the league's golden boot. He claimed the scoring title by a wide margin over his nearest rival, according to his record in Iraq's top flight. Last season, Temirov scored 28 goals to finish first in the scoring charts. Mosul's Alaeddin Ed-Dali followed with 20 goals, Duhok's Peter Korkis was third with 19 and Karkh's Yunus Hammud fourth with 18. Police's Lionel Atiba and Al-Gharafa's Fidellis Koko shared fifth place with 17 goals each. Zakho's coaching staff said they expect the experienced forward to strengthen the team's attacking line and help push the club higher in the league standings.