In a moment that will echo through the Kurdistan Region for generations, Duhok Football Club has etched its name into history. By lifting the Gulf Champions League trophy for the first time, Duhok became the first team from Iraq or the Kurdistan Region to win the prestigious title.
Their journey was fueled by dedication, tactical discipline, and a little bit of magic from their unwavering fans – the “12th man.” The final, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kuwait’s Qadsia Sporting Club, ended a 43-year wait for Iraqi clubs in the tournament and sparked celebrations across Kurdistan and Iraq alike.
A hard-fought journey
Founded in 1981, the Gulf Champions League is no stranger to drama, but this year’s edition will forever be remembered for Duhok’s remarkable rise against all odds. Drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Oman’s Dhofar, UAE’s al-Nasr, and Yemen’s Ahli Sana’a, Duhok showcased grit, tactical brilliance, and a hunger for victory.
Their performance in the group stage earned them a place in the “Golden Square” semifinals, where they faced familiar powerhouses: al-Nasr, Saudi Arabia’s al-Ettifaq, and Kuwait’s Qadsia. This would be a clash of regional titans, echoing the battles seen in Asia’s top competitions.
Wearing their hearts on their sleeves, Duhok squared off against al-Ettifaq in its home-and-away two-game matchup, with every tackle, sprint, and pass carrying the weight of a nation’s hopes. The club’s eagle emblem came to life, as Duhok dominated the field, emerging victorious 2-0.
A tale of two legs
The final was also a home-and-away matchup. The first leg, in Kuwait, ended in a cautious 0-0 draw, with both teams wary of overcommitting. But the return leg in Duhok was a different story.
Beneath the bright lights of Duhok Stadium in the Kurdistan Region, fans draped in the team’s signature red and white turned the stadium into a cauldron of noise. Their energy electrified the players.
In the 58th minute, midfielder Siyaband Ageed unleashed a thunderous strike to break the deadlock. Minutes later, forward Marlon Santos weaved past defenders to double the lead, slotting the ball into the net with surgical precision. Though Qadsia fought back, with Mohammed Sule scoring a late consolation goal, it wasn’t enough.
When the final whistle blew, Duhok’s players collapsed in tears. A 2-1 victory had sealed their place in history.
A celebration for the ages
The championship’s individual awards reflected Duhok’s collective brilliance. Haroon Ahmad, Duhok’s midfield maestro, was named Best Player of the Championship. His creativity, leadership, and tenacity symbolized Duhok’s fighting spirit, dedicating the win to the Duhok, Kurds, and Iraq: “This isn’t just a victory for Duhok – it’s for every Kurd, every Iraqi who believed in us,” he said, clutching the MVP trophy.
The trophy presentation was a scene of pure joy for Duhokis and Kurdistanis as a whole. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, alongside Iraqi and Kuwaiti sports officials, presented the cup to the triumphant Duhok side. The players hoisted it high, their smiles mirrored by thousands of fans chanting in unison.
Days later, Duhok unveiled the trophy in a carnival-like parade through the city. Streets overflowed with supporters waving flags, dancing to traditional dhol drums, and showering the team bus with flowers. This was more than a football win; it was a celebration of pride and unity.
A turning point?
Duhok’s triumph also shattered multiple barriers. As the first Iraqi club to win the Gulf Champions League, they brought global attention to Kurdish football, a scene long overlooked despite its passionate fanbase.
While the $3 million prize money will bolster the club’s future, the real reward is the legacy they’ve built. Even Qadsia, the runners-up who took home $1 million, acknowledged the significance of the moment. “Football writes the best stories,” said their coach. “Today, Duhok wrote theirs.”
Yet Duhok’s rise also casts a shadow on the chronic struggles of Iraq’s national football team, which continues to falter in World Cup qualifiers amid accusations of fractured morale and cohesion.
While Kurdish players like Duhok’s Ahmad shine regionally, they remain sidelined in national squad selections, sparking frustration among fans who argue that Iraq’s stagnant football hierarchy, riddled with political favoritism and sectarian divides, could learn from Duhok’s model of meritocracy and collective purpose.
As public discontent grows, many Iraqis are provocatively asking: if the national team cannot embody the spirit of its people, why not look to teams like Duhok that have already proven their worth?
More than a game
The tournament also marked growing investment in Gulf football, with each club receiving a $300,000 participation fee and $50,000 bonuses for individual award winners. But for Duhok, the real prize was the joy of their people.
“No amount of money can buy the feeling of seeing our people celebrate like this,” said captain Ahmed Hassan. “We played for them.”
As the confetti settles and the cheers fade, Duhok’s victory stands as a reminder that football is more than a game. It’s a language of hope, a bridge between cultures, and proof that underdogs can rise, even in the unlikeliest of places. For the kids in Duhok’s streets, kicking makeshift balls tonight, this is just the beginning.
The 31st edition of the Gulf Champions League will be remembered not for the goals or prize money, but for the team that turned a dream into reality. Founded in 1981, the tournament has now crowned Duhok as a historic first-time champion from Iraq – proof that underdogs can indeed rise.
Hakar Muhamad is a sport journalist and TV presenter.
