Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Al Shorta retained the Iraqi Stars League title in style, completing a hat-trick of triumphs with a match to spare.

Al Shorta clinched their third successive Iraqi Stars League title with a match to spare after edging Duhok 1-0 on Thursday.

The win, coupled with Air Force Club only managing a 1-1 draw with Al Qasim, gave Al Shorta an unassailable five-point lead with only one round of fixtures remaining.

Abdoul Madjid Moumouni struck the decisive goal for Al Shorta in the 52nd minute as they clinched their seventh title.

In Uzbekistan, FC Pakhtakor moved within four points of leaders FC Nasaf while Abdysh-Ata Kant maintained their relentless pace in Kyrgyz Republic.

Defending champions FC Pakhtakor proved too good for Neftchi Fergana, clinching a 2-0 win in the sole Uzbekistan Super League match played over the week.

Goals from Dostonbek Khamdamov and Doniyor Abdumannopov lifted Pakhtakor to fourth spot with 22 points from 13 matches, with FC Nasaf in pole position on 26 points at the half-way stage.

FC AGMK are second with Sogdiana Jizzakh third with both on 23 points.

Abdysh Ata Kant maintained their winning momentum, registering comprehensive victories in both their matches the past week to remain top of the Kyrgyz Premier League.

Abdysh-Ata were in sublime form in a 4-0 victory against Neftchi Kochkorata, and then followed it up with a clinical 3-0 win over Talant.

Abdysh-Ata  sit pretty at the top on 36 points from 12 matches, followed by Dordoi Bishkek on 34 points from 14 matches.