Victory for Dalkurd keeps survival hopes in Sweden top division alive

Dalkurd FF recorded a vital 1-0 victory on Saturday to keep their chances of staying in Sweden’s top division for another season alive.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdish-affiliated Swedish club Dalkurd FF recorded a vital 1-0 victory on Saturday to keep their chances of staying in Sweden’s top division for another season alive.

After a goalless first half, midfielder Robin Tranberg put Dalkurd ahead on 65 minutes. His goal proved to be the winner as the Kurdish club held on for all three points.

The win temporarily moves Dalkurd into a relegation play-off spot in 14th place on 20 points.

Their next match is against Haecken on Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. Erbil time.

In an interview with Kurdistan 24 in September, Dalkurd Chairman Ramazan Kizil vowed that his team would avoid relegation and remain in the Allsvenskan league.

“We are aware of our situation. We realize what situation we are in, and we are not afraid of this situation,” Kizil said. “This year, we are playing in the highest division, and playing in the top division is not easy.”

“I can say this confidently: We will avoid relegation this season and remain in Sweden’s top division.”

The win temporarily moves Dalkurd out of the relegation zone. (Photo: Twitter/Dalkurd FF)
The win temporarily moves Dalkurd out of the relegation zone. (Photo: Twitter/Dalkurd FF)

Based in the Swedish city of Borlänge, Dalkurd was founded on Sept. 26, 2004, by nine Kurdish immigrants as a social project. The club has since built academies in both Sweden and the Kurdistan Region.

The team’s colors are symbolic of Kurdistan, with the Kurdish flag included in the crest on their shirts.

The club has bull-dozed its way up the ranks of Swedish football since their 2005 introduction in Tier Seven, winning five promotions in their first five seasons.

If they retain their spot in the first level of Swedish football, Dalkurd faces the prospect of UEFA Champions League or Europa League qualification—an opportunity awarded to the top three teams in the Allsvenskan league.