Mendy scores, Al Shorta draw 1 to 1 with Al Sadd in Baghdad

Al-Shorta secured their opening point against Qatari visitors Al-Sadd during Monday evening's AFC Champions League group stage fixture at Baghdad's Al-Zawraa Stadium. The Iraqi side controlled proceedings throughout the opening period, with Dominik Mendy converting their dominance into a 28th-minute opener that energized the home supporters. Al-Sadd captain Hassan Al-Haydos restored parity in the 62nd minute after the hosts allowed more space during the second half. Both teams pushed for a winner during the closing stages, but neither could break the deadlock. The 1-1 result marked Al-Shorta's first appearance in the 2025-2026 continental competition.