Leyla Eskender
Yesterday, a roar erupted from the mountains of Kurdistan that could not be silenced—Duhok Sports Club defeated Kuwait’s Qadsia SC 2-1, claiming the Gulf Club Champions League title in a historic showdown on April 15, 2025. This was more than just a win. It was a declaration of pride, identity, and strength—a message from the Kurdish people to the world: we are here, and we are rising.
The match, played at Duhok International Stadium, was electric. After a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg in Kuwait, all hopes were pinned on this second leg—and Duhok delivered. Siyaband Ageed opened the scoring in the 65th minute, sending the home crowd into a wave of celebration. Though Qadsia SC equalized shortly after, Marlom Santos rose like a warrior in the 92nd minute with a thunderous header that sealed the victory.
The stadium exploded. The city wept with joy. The people of Kurdistan stood taller.
This was not just about football—it was about history, about recognition, about a people too often overlooked. Duhok’s win means Kurdistan’s flag flies higher today—not just in stadiums, but in hearts around the world.
President Nechirvan Barzani shared his pride, writing:
“From my heart, I congratulate the beloved Duhok Club… their victory made all of us in Kurdistan and Iraq proud.”
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called it a “great achievement and a source of pride for all of us.”
This year’s Gulf Club Champions League featured teams from across the region—including Iraq and Yemen for the first time. Duhok’s triumph on such a stage speaks volumes.
This win is a symbol. A symbol of what we can achieve through unity, passion, and perseverance. It’s a reminder that no matter how many times we’re told to stay quiet, we rise. Again and again.
To every Kurd—this win belongs to you. To the ones who have carried our stories, our language, our struggle through generations—this is for you. Duhok gave us more than a trophy yesterday—they gave us a moment of pride that the world could not ignore.
And we’ll carry it forward—louder, stronger, prouder.
