On a tense and exciting football night, Duhok Club succeeded in achieving its first title in the Iraq Cup after defeating Zakho in the final match held at the International Stadium on Friday evening, amidst a large audience and wide media anticipation.

The match, which brought together two giants from northern Iraq, was characterized by extreme caution and tactical intensity from both teams, ending the regular time in a goalless draw (0-0) with neither side able to break the deadlock, despite some scattered attempts that did not reach the level of real danger.

As the match extended into extra time, the score remained unchanged, with balanced performance from both sides, and a clear defensive commitment from Zakho, while Duhok attempted to diversify their play and create a difference in critical moments, but to no avail, leading to penalties being the decisive factor in determining the championship title.

During the series of penalties, Duhok clearly excelled, with their players successfully converting all five penalties, compared to only three for Zakho, in a scenario not devoid of controversy. The highlight of the match came in the fifth penalty taken by Karim Darwish for Duhok, where Ali Kazem, the goalkeeper for Zakho, managed to save it amidst overwhelming joy from his team's fans, who believed that hope was still alive.

However, the shock was strong after the intervention of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which confirmed that the goalkeeper had advanced from the goal line before the penalty was taken, leading the referee to decide to retake the shot, a moment in which Darwish did not err, placing the ball in the net and securing the title for Duhok with a score of (5-3) in the decisive penalties.

This moment witnessed significant tension on the field, as Zakho players protested vehemently against the decision, amidst altercations and issues on the pitch, with interventions from administrative and technical staff to calm the situation, in a scene that reflected the immense pressure the match was under, and the psychological stakes that accompanied both teams until the last moment.

With this historic victory, Duhok writes its name in the record of Iraq Cup champions for the first time since its establishment, granting its fans a long-awaited moment of joy after the team presented an exceptional season characterized by stability and tactical discipline, alongside a strong character that emerged in the decisive stages of the tournament.

This achievement provides the club with a strong boost towards the future and places it among the aspiring clubs in the local arena, especially with the technical and administrative stability it has witnessed in recent months, which ultimately resulted in a precious title that will remain etched in the memories of its fans.

On the other hand, despite the loss, Zakho Club emerged with its head held high after having one of its best seasons, reaching the final for the first time in its history and competing fiercely until the last moment. Its players displayed clear commitment and dedication, making it a formidable competitor in upcoming seasons, should this upward trajectory be maintained.

In the end, the 2025 edition of the Iraq Cup carried a new story for a new champion, solidifying the tournament's status as one of the most prominent competitions that do not always subject results to names, but rather to the field, determination, and the decisive moment.