Iraqi coaches and media figures expressed dissatisfaction with the unconvincing performance of the Iraqi Police football team in their 0-2 loss to the Qatari host team Al-Gharafa in the second round of the AFC Elite Club League.

Football expert Dr. Khalaf Karim said: “The problem with the Police team was concentrated in the defense line, which will negatively affect the future of the Iraqi national football team that will play in the Asian playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The mistakes made by the Police players, especially the defenders who are also national team players, will be very painful for Australian coach Graham Arnold, who believed the Police defenders were fully prepared for the playoffs, but the reality he saw in the Al-Gharafa match was a big shock to him.”

Media personality Ali Riah said: “Police lost 3 points after the defeat against Al-Gharafa in a match that showed two contrasting halves. Police dominated the first half but conceded two goals due to repeated defensive errors, and goalkeeper Ahmed Basil almost caused a third goal before the end of the second half. The team’s performance was sluggish, lacking harmony in player movements during the second half, and they wasted several chances to improve the score.”

He added: “On the 20th of next month, Police will face an important and difficult match here in Iraq against the Saudi club Al-Ittihad. We hope they achieve a better result to improve their standing in the group.”

Media figure Dr. Talal Adnan said: “It is very strange that Police have relied on Shabah as goalkeeper for years, who is also the team captain. What saved him was the strong squad Police have that achieved accomplishments. The strange thing is that Ahmed Basil makes the same mistakes in most matches, such as delaying the ball under his feet, losing it to opponents, failing to clear crosses, and poor positioning. This weakness in goalkeeping should have been addressed years ago. Achievements may cover mistakes but do not fix them.”

Media personality Ghaith Jamal addressed Police and Iraqi national team defender Munaf Younis saying: “There are 12 days left until the Iraqi national team’s crucial World Cup qualifying matches. Your current level is worrying. You are the main reason for both Al-Gharafa goals against Police.”