ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdish leaders on Sunday congratulated the Zakho and Duhok football teams for pulling off a great achievement, reaching the final of the Iraq FA Cup, marking the first accomplishment of its kind where two Kurdish teams are going to play in the final of a major football event in the country.
In the semifinals, Duhok SC defeated Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 3-1, and Zakho SC beat Al-Shorta 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
"On the occasion of reaching the final of the Iraq FA Cup, we extend our warmest congratulations to both the Duhok and Zakho football teams," Prime Minister Barzani wrote on X.
Prime Minister Barzani commended both teams for creating “a great achievement.”
"This is a great achievement that showcases the ability and talent of our youth and is a great source of pride for all the people of Kurdistan,” the prime minister said.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also congratulated the two Kurdish teams, saying he was proud of the players.
“I warmly congratulate both the Duhok and Zakho football teams for their success and reaching the final match of the Iraq Cup,” President Nechirvan Barzani wrote on X.
President Barzani described the teams and all their players as "a source of pride" and wished them "all the best."
The Zakho and Duhok football clubs will play the final of the Iraq Cup on Wednesday at the Al-Sha’ab International Stadium in Baghdad.