Sipho Mbule makes instant impact as Zakho FC draw with Diyala SC

Sipho Mbule scored one goal and created another as Zakho FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Diyala SC in the Iraq Stars League on Tuesday.

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder opened the scoring in the 39th minute, giving Zakho FC the lead after an influential display in his new side’s latest league fixture.

Diyala SC responded in first-half injury time to ensure the teams went into the interval level. Mbule remained central to Zakho FC’s attacking threat after the break and supplied the assist for their second goal, which was scored by Gubari Sherko in the 68th minute.

Zakho FC appeared to be on course for victory after restoring their advantage, but Diyala SC found another equaliser in the 86th minute. The late goal earned the visitors a share of the points and ended the match in a 2-2 draw.

The performance was another significant contribution from Mbule since his move to the Iraqi club. The 28-year-old left Orlando Pirates on a free transfer after last season and began a new chapter with Iraq Stars League side Zakho FC.

He had already produced a Man of the Match display in the league’s opening game, and Tuesday’s performance further underlined his early influence at the club. Mbule’s goal and assist ensured he was directly involved in both of Zakho FC’s goals, although his team could not hold on for all three points.

Mbule spent the previous season with Orlando Pirates, making 23 appearances during his only campaign with the Buccaneers. Most of those appearances came in the first half of the season, when his form earned him a return to the Bafana Bafana squad.

The midfielder was unable to maintain the same level of form and regular playing time during the second half of the campaign. That decline in opportunities eventually led Orlando Pirates to announce his departure at the end of the season.

His move to Zakho FC has offered him a fresh start, and he has made an immediate impression in the early stages of his Iraq Stars League career. Following his influential showing in the opening round, Mbule again played a decisive role against Diyala SC, contributing both a goal and an assist.

Despite those efforts, Zakho FC were forced to settle for a point after Diyala SC scored twice to recover from behind. The result leaves Mbule’s new side still searching for a victory in a match in which his individual impact was once again clear.