Duhok Club will host its counterpart Nawruz team tomorrow evening at its stadium as part of the 37th round of the Iraqi Stars League, in a match that may be "formal" in terms of the standings, but means a lot for both teams in terms of morale, especially with the end of a season that has seen significant variations in the performance of both sides.

Duhok team entered the 2024-2025 season with great ambitions under the leadership of coach Masoud Miral, benefiting from an ideal mix of Iraqi talents abroad, most notably Peter Korkis, alongside distinguished local players. The team achieved a historic accomplishment when it was crowned the champion of the Gulf Clubs Champions League, outperforming prestigious clubs such as Al-Qadisiyah of Kuwait and Al-Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia.

However, after the championship, Duhok could not maintain the same momentum, as it entered a spiral of sudden decline in performance and results. Administrative problems peaked when a crisis occurred between coach Miral and the Iraqi Football Association, ending with a six-month suspension and a financial penalty imposed on the coach, which led to instability in the team's technical staff.

Currently, the team is led by coach Amir Azarvashan, who has tried as much as possible to correct the course, but the team has lost the chance to compete for the top spots and has officially settled in eighth place with 54 points.

On the other hand, Nawruz enters the match in the middle zone, not fighting for survival, nor competing for the top positions, but it has had a relatively acceptable season, noted for its stability and calmness. Nawruz currently occupies the twelfth position with 49 points.

The team has sometimes appeared in the guise of a champion, especially in the first half of the season when it defeated Duhok with a score of three goals to one, but it has not succeeded in maintaining an upward trajectory, as its results have fluctuated at many points. Nevertheless, the club aspires to finish the season honorably and perhaps improve its position by a point or two that could make a difference in the overall standings.

Although the match does not carry the character of a direct struggle for the title or relegation, it could be an ideal opportunity for both teams to end a complex season positively. Duhok wants to reconcile with its fans and remind them of the golden start of the season, while Nawruz hopes to affirm its presence as a solid team that should not be underestimated.