In Baghdad, at the Al-Shaab Stadium, the 18th round of the Iraqi Premier League kicked off with a match between local club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and visiting team Noroz. The match was attended by a large crowd. In the first half's added time, Noroz's player Neto Akara scored a magnificent goal. He received a cross and struck it powerfully into the net of Al-Quwa's goalkeeper, Mohammad Saleh. However, in the 59th minute, Omani footballer Issam Al-Subhi equalized for Al-Quwa by converting a penalty. A tackle by the opposing goalkeeper, Riza Abdul Aziz, inside his own penalty box led to the spot kick. Thus, Eid Rashidi became the first Kuwaiti player to score a goal in the history of the Iraqi league, helping Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya to a 2-1 victory.
