Duhok win Iraqi FA Cup after VAR drama and brawl in shootout against bitter rivals Zakho

BAGHDAD — Duhok claimed their first-ever Iraqi FA Cup title Friday night, defeating fierce rivals Zakho 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in a tense and chaotic final at Baghdad’s Al-Shaab International Stadium.

The 32nd edition of the tournament had no shortage of drama, with two major VAR interventions, a red card, and a full-scale brawl on the pitch before Duhok ultimately prevailed in the shootout.

Zakho were reduced to 10 men in the second half when midfielder Patrick Marcelino received a second yellow card, but they continued to press and enjoyed the better of the play through the rest of regular time and much of extra time. Still, Duhok came closest to winning it late when forward Yannick Zakri launched a spectacular overhead kick that was brilliantly saved by Zakho goalkeeper Ali Kadhim.

Duhok were also awarded a late penalty after a shirt pull in the box, but the decision was overturned after the referee consulted VAR, ruling no foul had occurred.

The final’s most explosive moment came during the penalty shootout. With the score level, the Zakho goalkeeper saved what would have been Duhok’s winning spot kick — only for the referee to signal a retake, judging the keeper had come off his line early. As the referee made his way to the VAR monitor to confirm the call, a brawl erupted between players from both teams, forcing security forces to intervene and restore order.

Once the situation was calmed and VAR confirmed the infringement, Duhok converted the retaken penalty and saw out the shootout to win 5-3, securing a historic first Iraq FA Cup title — and the first ever by a club from the Kurdistan Region since the tournament began in 1948.

The final had originally been scheduled for Sulaymaniyah but was moved to Baghdad amid concerns over crowd control. Despite the relocation, clashes broke out between fans late in the match, prompting a response from stadium security. The Ministry of Youth and Sports later condemned the violence, saying in a statement: “These behaviors have nothing to do with sportsmanship and are a clear insult to Iraqi sports and its responsible fans.”

Duhok reached the final after a 3-1 semifinal win over Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, while Zakho knocked out defending champions Al-Shorta on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

The match was played before a crowd of 35,000, with both sides creating chances and goalkeepers Mohammed Saleh of Duhok and Ali Kadhim of Zakho delivering standout performances.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated both teams, saying, “The progress of Duhok and Zakho to this level is a source of joy and pride for all the people of Kurdistan.” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also posted his congratulations on X, formerly Twitter, praising both sides and urging further success for Kurdistan’s clubs.