Mohamed Sherif assists on Al Zawraa debut in Iraqi league draw

Mohamed Sherif marked his first appearance for Al Zawraa by setting up a goal in their 1-1 draw with Karbala in the Iraqi league.

The Egypt international, who joined Al Zawraa on loan from Al Ahly, began the match on the substitutes’ bench before being introduced during the game. He had missed the opening round of the Iraqi league after completing his move.

Sherif, wearing number 72, played a decisive role in the opening goal in the 68th minute. He created the opportunity that was finished by Uruguayan forward Michael Gabriel, giving Al Zawraa the lead in his first outing for the club.

Karbala responded late in the match, claiming an equaliser through an own goal scored by their captain, Ali Adnan. The leveller came in the final minutes and denied Al Zawraa victory in Sherif’s debut.

The result leaves Al Zawraa with two points from their first two matches. They occupy 11th place in the standings, level on points with Karbala, who also have two points after the opening two rounds.

Sherif’s arrival at Al Zawraa represents a temporary move away from Al Ahly, with the forward now beginning his spell in Iraqi football. Although he did not start against Karbala, his introduction had an immediate impact, as he helped his new team break the deadlock.

Elsewhere in the same round, Al-Karma secured their first win of the season by beating Mosul.

Al-Karma’s opening goal was created by former Smouha player Samuel Amadi. His assist was converted by Paul Bassein to put Al-Karma ahead.

The victory took Al-Karma’s tally to four points after two matches. The side is managed by Momen Soliman, who oversaw the team’s first success of the campaign.

While Al-Zawraa were held after taking the lead, Al-Karma’s win provided them with their first three-point result of the season. Both matches formed part of the second round of the Iraqi league, with the early standings beginning to take shape after two games.