Marwan Hamdy scores as Al-Karmah move top of Iraqi Stars League

Marwan Hamdy scored his first Iraqi Stars League goal as Al-Karmah moved temporarily to the top of the table with a 2-1 victory away to Diyala, while Youssef Osama Nabih struck in stoppage time to help Mosul earn a draw against Al-Zawraa.

Hamdy headed Al-Karmah in front after 10 minutes, opening his account for the club during the fifth round of the competition. The result lifted Al-Karmah to 11 points, giving them sole possession of first place for the time being.

The team, coached by Momen Soliman, held on for victory against Diyala despite playing away from home. Their success continued a strong start to the campaign and placed them above the other leading sides after the latest round of fixtures.

For Hamdy, the goal was his first since joining Al-Karmah and came through a header early in the match. It proved decisive as his side secured all three points with a 2-1 win.

At the other end of the table’s leading group, Mosul produced a dramatic late recovery against Al-Zawraa. Youssef Osama Nabih brought his side back into the contest with a powerful shot in the 90th minute plus one.

Mosul had been 2-0 down for most of the match, but Nabih’s goal gave them renewed hope in the closing moments. Another Mosul goal followed three minutes later, allowing the team to rescue a point in front of their home supporters.

The goal was also Nabih’s first in the Iraqi Stars League. His late strike ensured Mosul avoided defeat in a match in which Mohamed Sherif was absent.

The 2-2 draw left Al-Zawraa on nine points in third place. Mosul moved to eight points and sit fourth, just one point behind their opponents.

Both Hamdy and Nabih therefore opened their league accounts in the same fifth-round programme, although their contributions had different outcomes. Hamdy’s early header helped Al-Karmah claim victory and move to the summit, while Nabih’s stoppage-time effort began Mosul’s comeback and set up a dramatic share of the points.

Al-Karmah’s position at the top is temporary, with the latest results shaping the standings after five rounds. Diyala were beaten 2-1 at home, while Al-Zawraa were unable to protect their two-goal advantage against Mosul.

The round featured contrasting fortunes for the Iraqi league’s Egyptian players. Hamdy’s goal provided the foundation for Al-Karmah’s away win, and Nabih’s long-range finish played a central role in Mosul’s late fightback. Both players now have their first Iraqi Stars League goals recorded after an eventful round of matches.