Erbil, Kurdistan Region – In a historic victory, Duhok SC became the first Kurdish club to win the Iraq Cup after defeating fellow Kurdish side Zakho SC in a tense final on Friday. The match, held at a packed stadium, ended 0-0 in regulation time before Duhok triumphed 5-3 in a penalty shootout.

This landmark achievement marks the first time a Kurdish team has lifted the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 1948. The win secures Duhok SC a spot in the AFC Champions League Two and qualifies both finalists for the Iraq Super League.

Last year, Erbil Sports Club became the first Kurdish team to reach the final but narrowly lost to Baghdad’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya. Duhok’s victory now cements Kurdish clubs as rising contenders in Iraqi football.