In a night filled with pride, passion, and history, Duhok Sports Club won the Iraq FA Cup for the first time, defeating fellow Kurdish side Zakho Sports Club in a tense penalty shootout on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Al-Shaab Stadium in Baghdad. After a goalless draw through regular and extra time, Duhok held their nerve to win 5–3 on penalties, lifting the trophy and writing a new chapter for Kurdish football.
This wasn’t just a football match — it was a moment of unity for the Kurdish people. For the first time since the tournament began in 1948, two Kurdish teams had reached the final, guaranteeing that the cup would come to Kurdistan. Thousands of fans from across the region — Duhok, Zakho, Erbil, Sulaimani, and Garmian — flooded the capital in a sea of yellow and red, proudly waving flags and chanting in Kurdish. The streets of Baghdad echoed with a spirit rarely seen in Iraqi football.
Duhok’s journey to the final was a story of resilience. After suffering a heavy 4–0 defeat to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya earlier in the season, the club brought in coach Sulaiman Ramazan, who transformed the team’s confidence and tactics. Under his leadership, they defeated the same team 3–1 in the semifinals, sealing their place in the final. Zakho had their own moment of glory, overcoming Al-Shorta on penalties after a strong season in the league. Both teams played with heart, determination, and pride, showing that Kurdish football is no longer on the sidelines — it’s at the center of the story.
Leaders from across the Kurdistan Region celebrated the achievement. President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and President Masoud Barzani all congratulated the teams and their supporters. “Kurdistan was victorious,” said Prime Minister Barzani, capturing the emotions of a night that brought joy to an entire region. One fan from Erbil said, “I didn’t care who won. Seeing two Kurdish teams in the final — that was our victory.”
The win means Duhok will now compete in the AFC Champions League Two and will face Zakho again in the Iraq Super Cup. It also marks the first time a team from outside Baghdad has won the Iraq Cup, breaking decades of dominance by capital clubs like Al-Zawraa, which holds a record 16 titles. For the first time, a Kurdish team didn’t just come close — they brought the trophy home.
This final was more than sport. It was a reminder of what football can do: unite people, inspire hope, and make history. On that night in Baghdad, Duhok won the match — but Kurdistan won the moment.
