Al Zawraa sign Al Ahly striker Mohamed Sherif on season-long loan

Al Zawraa have announced the signing of Al Ahly striker Mohamed Sherif on a season-long loan, with the Egypt international switching to the Iraqi club instead of joining fellow Iraqi side Al-Shorta.

Sherif’s move to Al Zawraa follows reports that he had been expected to join Al-Shorta. The 29-year-old forward will now begin a new chapter in Iraq as the club prepare for the start of the Iraqi Premier League season.

Al Zawraa open their campaign on Saturday, 15 August, when they face Al-Minaa at 21:00 in the first round of the competition.

The club will also compete in the Gulf Club Champions League next season after finishing fourth in the Iraqi league standings last term.

Sherif’s contract with Al Ahly runs until the summer of 2030. He returned to the Egyptian club at the beginning of the previous season after spending two campaigns with Saudi Arabian side Al-Khaleej.

During the 2024-25 season, Sherif made 20 appearances for Al Ahly, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His departure comes after Al Ahly strengthened their attacking options by signing three new forwards during the summer: Moroccan striker Soufiane Benjedida, Algerian forward Moncef Bekrar and Aqtai Abdullah, who joined from ENPPI.

Sherif’s move to Al Zawraa represents his second experience outside Egypt. His first came with Al-Khaleej, where he spent two seasons before returning to Al Ahly.

Egyptian players in Iraq

Sherif will become the second Egyptian player competing in the Iraqi league this season, joining Marwan Hamdy, who plays for Al-Karma.

A number of Egyptian footballers have previously appeared in the Iraqi competition. Among them are Reda El Weashy, who played for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya; Shaaban Mostafa, who represented Al-Talaba; Mohamed Shawky, who played for Al-Naft; Mostafa Galal and Ahmed Fattouh “Bogy”, both of whom featured for Al-Talaba; Saleh Gomaa, who played for Al-Karkh; Mohamed Atwa, who represented Amanat Baghdad; and Ahmed Abdel Kader, currently of Al-Karma.

Egyptian coaches have also worked in the Iraqi league. Emad El Nahhas, Hossam El Badry, Haitham Shaaban and Mohamed Youssef have all managed in the competition.

Moamen Soliman remains the most successful Egyptian coach in Iraq, having won seven trophies. He is currently in charge of Al-Karma.

Soliman is also the second-most successful manager in Iraqi league history, with three league titles. Only Ayoub Odisho has won more, having lifted the championship four times.