Duhok DC wins first Iraqi Cup title after beating Zakho on penalties

Duhok defeats Zakho on penalties and wins the Iraq Cup title

BAGHDAD,— Duhok Sports Club won its first Iraq Football Cup title on Friday, defeating Zakho in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw through regular and extra time.

The match took place at Baghdad’s Al-Shaab International Stadium.

Zakho played with 10 men for much of the second half after their player Marcelino was shown a red card.

Despite this setback, both teams were unable to score in 120 minutes, leading to a decisive penalty shootout. Duhok won the shootout 5-3 to claim the championship.

The final was marked by a moment of unrest among fans near the end of the match. Stadium security intervened promptly to control the situation and restore order.

This final was historic as it featured two teams from the Kurdistan Region, Duhok and Zakho, competing for the Iraq Football Cup for the first time. It marked a landmark success for football within Iraq’s northern Kurdish region.

Earlier this year, in April 2025, Duhok SC also claimed victory in the Gulf Club Champions League, beating Kuwait’s Qadsia SC 2-1 at Duhok International Stadium. This added to the club’s growing list of achievements.

Duhok SC players celebrate their historic win against Zakho, capturing their first-ever Iraqi Football Cup title in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 18, 2025. Photo: Screengrab/Iraqi TV

The final was originally scheduled to be held in Sulaimani, but the city’s administration declined to host the match due to concerns about potential fan disturbances, prompting the move to Baghdad.

Football analyst Ali Wahib spoke to the Iraqi News Agency about the final, highlighting the strong support from Kurdish fans.

“The large crowd at Al-Shaab International Stadium showed the deep loyalty of Kurdistan’s fans to their teams,” Wahib said.

He described the game as competitive and well-played, despite some unsportsmanlike incidents, which he called a natural part of football worldwide.