A’ali run Al Najma ragged, Malkiya sneak past Budaiya

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

After losing 1-0 to Al Khaldiya in week one of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, A’ali bounced back in style yesterday with a 3-0 win over Al Najma at the National Stadium in Riffa, who were themselves coming off a 1-1 draw with Riffa.

The scoring began when Brazilian forward Diego Cordoso capitalized on a rushed challenge by Al Najma’s keeper Omar Mohammed. The ball deflected off Omar, leaving Cordaso with an empty net to roll the ball into.

Cordoso at the Double

A’ali’s second goal came courtesy of another Brazilian, Matheus Lima, who finished a perfect over-the-top ball from Robson. Lima had all the time to pick his spot and calmly slotted the ball home.

Cordoso completed his brace with the third goal after a well-constructed move starting from Yassine Karim down the right wing. Karim found Jassim Khuleif, whose pass put Cordoso in front of an empty net once again to finish the move.

Malkia Snatch Dramatic Win

At Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town, Budaiya came off a 1-1 draw in week one but dropped points again, losing 2-1 to Al Malkiya, who themselves had drawn 2-2 with Hidd. All three goals came in the final ten minutes.

Brazilian Adriano Suarez opened the scoring for Budaiya with a header at the back post from a corner, despite the keeper getting a hand to it.

Malkiya equalized in the 90th minute through Mohammed Salem. Budaiya’s keeper Mohammed Marhoon saved an effort from Sayed Hashim Isa, but the rebound fell into Salem’s path, and he guided it into the bottom corner.

Moments later, the winner came deep into stoppage time in the 95th minute. Following a fast counterattack, a through ball found Salem whose initial effort was parried, leaving Sayed Hashim Isa to smash home the rebound and complete a stunning comeback.

More Action Ahead

Week two continues today with Sitra vs Riffa at the National Stadium and Hidd vs Bahrain Club at the Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad. Both matches are scheduled for 4:50 PM kick-offs.

The 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier League continues in a double round-robin format, with the first round running through to the 11th match week starting January 8, before the second round of 11 match weeks is scheduled.