On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Duhok SC achieved a monumental milestone in Iraqi football history by becoming the first Iraqi club to secure the coveted Gulf Club Champions League title. The Kurdistan Region-based team triumphed in a thrilling 2-1 final against Kuwaiti giants Al-Qadsia SC, a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The intense encounter took place at the Duhok International Stadium, where the passionate home crowd witnessed a dramatic conclusion to a historic match.
Duhok SC broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, thanks to a clinical finish from local hero Siyaband Aged. His goal sent the stadium into a frenzy, as the home fans celebrated their team’s lead. However, Al-Qadsia quickly responded with an equalizer from Mohammed Sawlah, leveling the score and setting the stage for a tense final stretch. With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Brazilian forward Marlom Santos emerged as the hero. In the 92nd minute, Santos powered in a header that found the back of the net, securing a dramatic last-gasp victory for Duhok SC and etching their name in history.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations throughout the city of Duhok and the wider Kurdistan Region. The win marked not only Duhok SC’s first-ever Gulf Club Champions League title but also a turning point for Iraqi football, as the nation had never before seen one of its clubs claim such a prestigious regional trophy. Fans flooded the streets in celebration, waving flags and chanting the club’s name, proud of their team’s achievement and the growing recognition of Iraqi football on the regional stage.
Since its founding in 1970, Duhok SC has been a prominent force in Iraqi football, and this victory cements the club’s legacy. The triumph is seen as a proud moment not just for the club, but for the entire Iraqi football community, who have long aspired to see their teams succeed on the international stage. With this achievement, Duhok SC has set a new standard for Iraqi clubs, and the impact of their victory will be felt for years to come.
The historic win of Duhok SC in the Gulf Club Champions League serves as a testament to the hard work, determination, and skill of the players, staff, and supporters who have backed the team throughout the years. The title represents a well-deserved recognition of their efforts, and it opens up new possibilities for the future of football in Iraq and the wider region. As celebrations continue, Duhok SC’s name will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
