Cameroon forward Leonel Ateba powers Al Shorta to dominant victory in Iraq

Cameroonian forward Leonel Ateba delivered yet another outstanding performance as he inspired Al Shorta to a convincing 4-1 victory over Baghdad FC in the Iraq Stars League on Wednesday night.

Ateba, who has been one of the standout performers this season, once again proved decisive on matchday 27, showcasing both his creativity and clinical finishing. The in-form striker wasted no time making his presence felt, setting the tone early in the contest with a key contribution in the opening minutes.

It was Ateba who turned provider in the 4th minute, delivering a precise assist for Mahmoud Al Mawas to open the scoring and give Al Shorta a dream start. Just 16 minutes later, the Cameroonian forward switched roles from creator to finisher, finding the back of the net in the 20th minute to double his side’s advantage.

With Al Shorta firmly in control, Ateba’s early contributions laid the foundation for a dominant display that ultimately ended in a 4-1 triumph. His ability to influence the game in multiple ways continues to make him a vital figure in the team’s attacking setup.

The 2025–2026 campaign has been nothing short of exceptional for Ateba. Across all competitions, he has now registered an impressive 14 goals and 5 assists in 29 appearances—numbers that underline his consistency, efficiency, and growing importance to the team.

Beyond the statistics, Ateba’s performances have been marked by intelligent movement, sharp decision-making, and a relentless desire to impact matches. Whether scoring or creating, the Cameroonian has become a constant threat to opposing defenses throughout the season.

As the league campaign enters its decisive phase, Al Shorta will be counting heavily on Ateba to maintain his rich vein of form. If his current trajectory continues, he could play a defining role in shaping the club’s ambitions and silverware hopes.

For now, one thing is clear—Leonel Ateba is not just in form; he is leading from the front and lighting up the Iraqi top flight with authority.