Duhok faces Kuwait’s Qadsia in Gulf Champions League final second leg

DUHOK — Iraqi Premier League club Duhok will host Kuwait’s Qadsia SC at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the second leg of the Gulf Champions League final, with the title still up for grabs after a scoreless draw in the first leg last week in Kuwait.

Duhok enters the home fixture with the advantage of a full stadium and an almost complete squad, led by head coach Masoud Meral. In his first season, Meral has impressed both in the domestic league and in regional competition, steering Duhok to the brink of its first international trophy.

Omani referee Qasem Al-Ghanmi will officiate the match, assisted by Nasser Al-Busaidi and Hamad Al-Ghafri. Hussein Al-Shuwaikh will serve as fourth official, and Qatar’s Khamis Al-Marri will oversee VAR.

Winning the Gulf title is a top priority for Duhok, which has steadily improved throughout the tournament. Club officials say tonight’s match represents a defining moment in the team’s history.

The city of Duhok has been gripped by final fever for days, with buildings, cars, and fans draped in the club’s blue and yellow colors.

In the semifinals, Duhok beat Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in both legs — a team that features high-profile players such as Champions League winner Georginio Wijnaldum and Premier League winner Demarai Gray.

Representatives from both clubs held the pre-match technical meeting on Monday, confirming that Duhok will wear their traditional all-yellow kit, while Qadsia will play in black.