Duhok, Zakho Clash in Historic All-Kurdish Iraq Cup Final
Duhok and Zakho will compete in a historic all-Kurdish Iraq Cup final in Baghdad. It's Zakho's first-ever final appearance, and both teams defeated Baghdad powerhouses to qualify, guaranteeing a first-time winner of the coveted trophy.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — A historic, all-Kurdish showdown is set for the Iraq Cup final this Friday, as Duhok and Zakho prepare to face off at Baghdad's Al-Shaab International Stadium in a highly anticipated match.
The final, scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM, promises to be a major footballing event, marking a purely "northern" affair for one of Iraqi football's most coveted trophies.
Duhok, known as the "Mountain Hawks," secured their place in the final with a strong run, culminating in a decisive 3-1 victory over Baghdad powerhouse Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the semi-final. The performance showcased Duhok's balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, proving their worth as finalists.
Meanwhile, Zakho, the "Sons of Khabur," created the biggest highlight of this year's tournament by eliminating the defending champions, Al-Shorta.
After regular and extra time ended in a goalless draw, Zakho triumphed 4-3 on penalties. This qualification is a momentous achievement for the club, as it marks their first-ever appearance in an Iraq Cup final, adding a special dimension to the encounter.
The Football Association's Competitions Committee had previously decided to move the final from Nawroz Stadium in Sulaymaniyah to Al-Shaab International Stadium in Baghdad. The move was made to ensure the largest possible crowd attendance and provide ideal conditions for the major clash.
Al-Shaab Stadium is expected to be filled with fans flocking to support their teams in a scene reflecting the immense passion for Iraqi football.
The Iraq Cup is the country's premier knockout football tournament, first established in the 1948-49 season. A final between two teams from the Kurdistan Region is a significant and rare event in the competition's history, underscoring the growing strength of clubs from the region.
The journey to the final for both teams is notable, as they each eliminated one of Baghdad's traditional football giants—Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Shorta.
While Duhok SC has previously won the Iraqi Premier League (in the 2009-10 season), they have never won the Iraq Cup. For Zakho FC, reaching the final is the club's biggest achievement in the tournament's history. The match guarantees that the Iraq Cup will have a first-time winner, raising the stakes for what is already a historic final.
