Qadsia Club Extends Gratitude to PM Masrour Barzani for Warm Hospitality in Duhok
“The warm reception wasn’t limited to official channels—it resonated deeply at the grassroots level. The people of Duhok, young and old, embodied generosity and decency," said Sheikh Fahad Talal.

By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Sheikh Fahad Talal Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Kuwait’s Qadsia Sports Club, issued a heartfelt message of gratitude to Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, his son Arin Barzani, and Duhok Governor Ali Tatar, lauding the gracious reception and seamless coordination extended to the club during their time in Duhok.
In an official statement, Sheikh Fahad praised the warm welcome accorded to Qadsia’s football delegation during their stay in the Kurdistan Region for the second-leg final of the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League, where Duhok Sports Club secured a dramatic 2–1 victory.
“We express our sincerest thanks for the generous hospitality and exceptional reception,” he said. “Every obstacle we encountered during our stay was promptly resolved thanks to the efforts of the authorities and the people of Duhok.”
People-to-People Diplomacy: A Model for Regional Unity
While extending his appreciation to the Kurdistan Region's leadership, Sheikh Fahad made special mention of the Duhok residents, describing them as "a beacon of kindness and cultural civility."
“The warm reception wasn’t limited to official channels—it resonated deeply at the grassroots level. The people of Duhok, young and old, embodied generosity and decency. Their embrace of sportsmanship and respectful engagement sets a regional example for how football can build bridges between nations and foster enduring bonds,” he said.
A Landmark Moment in Kurdish Football
Duhok SC’s victory in the 2025 Gulf Club Champions League final was nothing short of historic. Played in front of a packed home crowd, the match saw Siyaband Agid open the scoring in the 66th minute, before Qadsia’s Mohammed Sola leveled the score in the 70th. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Brazilian striker Marlon dos Santos sealed the win in the 93rd minute, sending Duhok fans into jubilant celebration.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who attended the final, personally awarded medals to both teams and congratulated Duhok SC on becoming the first-ever Kurdish club to lift the prestigious Gulf title, marking a monumental achievement for football in the Kurdistan Region.