Al-Shorta seize top spot in Iraq Stars League title race
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi powerhouse Al-Shorta SC kicks off its continental campaign in the AFC Champions League Two (2026–2027) on Wednesday evening, September 16, 2026, hosting Omani champions Al-Seeb Club at Al-Zawraa Stadium in Baghdad for their opening Group D fixture.
Scheduled for a 9:15 PM kickoff local time, the Green Harp enters the clash determined to secure all three points early and set a commanding tone for their continental season with home-turf support behind them.
Al-Shorta management confirmed that ticket booths across the stadium perimeter will open to spectators at 6:00 PM, establishing a standardized admission fee of 5,000 Iraqi dinars.
The club issued an open appeal urging its loyal fanbase to pack the stands of Al-Zawraa Stadium in force, emphasizing that vocal home support will be pivotal in driving the squad forward through their continental opener.
The AFC group-stage draw placed Al-Shorta in Group D alongside Al-Seeb (Oman), Al-Hussein Irbid (Jordan), and East Bengal (India), with the top two finishing clubs securing qualification to the Round of 16.
The Baghdadi club heads into Wednesday’s Asian fixture holding fifth place in the Iraq Stars League standings with 12 points following the conclusion of Matchday 5, aiming to translate steady domestic form onto the continental stage.