Iraqi volleyball shocker: Erbil beat Masafi
For weeks, teams have been focusing on the top to qualify for the prestigious Top 4 playoff. The ultimate league champion will be crowned only after these four elite teams battle it out in a final tournament hosted in Baghdad.
So, while Masafi Al-Shamal's earlier win against rivals Al-Shorta was crucial, it cemented their place in the Baghdad showdown, not the overall title. Both Al-Shorta and Masafi Al-Shamal have now officially booked their tickets to the final playoff round, navigating a highly competitive season.
But who will join them? According to sources, at least one crucial spot remains undecided, adding immense pressure to the final Round 14 fixtures scheduled for Friday, April 25th. The results of these matches will determine which team(s) secure the remaining coveted places in the Baghdad finals.
This season has been lauded for its excitement, with numerous matches stretching to a deciding fifth set – a testament, as observers note, to the rising technical level across the league and the federation's efforts in fostering thrilling competition. As the Elite League phase nears its end, the real battle is just beginning, promising a dramatic conclusion in the capital.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
17-07-2025
- Iraqi News
Iraqi youth & junior Taekwondo teams win 12 medals at Al-Faris Championship in Jordan
Amman ( – The Iraqi national youth and junior Taekwondo teams won an impressive 12 medals at the Al-Faris Championship held in Amman, Jordan, on Thursday. The total haul included six gold and six silver medals, a result of a 'distinguished performance' where the players demonstrated 'high technical levels,' according to a statement from the Iraqi Olympic Committee. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Iraqi Taekwondo Federation, stated that this success is part of a special preparation program for the upcoming Asian Championship in Malaysia, which will be held from July 23rd to 29th. The team's preparations included a 24-day training camp in Erbil, followed by the camp in Jordan ahead of the Al-Faris Championship. Abbas confirmed that the team is scheduled to depart for Malaysia this coming Sunday. The strong performance in Jordan is seen as a crucial step in raising the players' technical and physical readiness for the anticipated Asian tournament.
Iraqi News
09-07-2025
- Iraqi News
Iraq Cup semi-final draw sets up Zakho vs Al-Shorta, Duhok vs Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
Baghdad ( – The draw for the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 Iraq Cup has been set, pitting four of the country's top clubs against each other for a place in the final. The Iraqi Football Association's Competitions Committee announced on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) that both matches will be played this Saturday, July 12th. In the first semi-final, Zakho SC will host recently-crowned league champions Al-Shorta SC at Zakho International Stadium. The second match will see Duhok SC play at home against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya at Duhok Stadium. The four teams secured their semi-final berths after winning their quarter-final ties on Tuesday. Al-Shorta defeated Al-Talaba in a dramatic penalty shootout, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya beat Al-Najaf 3-1, Zakho overcame Newroz 1-0, and Duhok knocked out Al-Mina'a 3-1. The winners of Saturday's two enticing semi-final clashes will advance to the Iraq Cup final.
Shafaq News
03-07-2025
- Shafaq News
Israeli strike killed a Palestinian team player in Gaza
Shafaq News – Gaza Palestinian soccer player Muhannad Al-Laili died on Thursday after being critically injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting Gaza earlier in the day, according to reports by Arab media outlets. Al-Laili was at his family home in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in central Gaza, when the area was struck during a series of Israeli air raids. Al-Laili, in his early thirties, played for the Palestinian club Khadamat Al-Maghazi and had previously represented the national team. A product of the Al-Ribat youth system, Al-Laili went on to play for several local clubs. The incident comes as the Palestinian national team recently concluded its campaign in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Palestine secured qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, its hopes for a World Cup debut ended after finishing fifth in Group B, following a 1-1 draw with Oman in the final round.
