Muharraq unstoppable, Khaldiya stay on track

Champions and challengers make their statements in style

Muharraq carried their continental confidence back into domestic duty in the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League, dispatching Al Shabab 3-0 at the National Stadium. The champions, fresh from a 4-0 dismantling of Al Wehdat in the AFC Champions League, faced an opponent buoyed by a 1-1 draw with Budaiya in their opener. As the game wore on, Muharraq turned on the style, and patience was needed before Elliot Simoes lit up the night with a thunderous strike on the cusp of half-time. Having danced past desperate challenges, the forward unleashed a powerful effort from distance that left the keeper helpless.

Diarra decisive again

After the restart, Muharraq’s control told. A sweeping counter on 56 minutes saw Simoes turn provider, slipping Abdoulkarim Diarra through to fire confidently above the keeper. Just three minutes later, Diarra doubled his tally with a strike of pure class, curling into the far top corner after Mohamed Al Hardan found him in space. Nandinho’s side, composed at the back and relentless in midfield, never allowed Al Shabab to recover.

Khaldiya stay unbeaten

At Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Al Khaldiya continued their perfect league start with a 1-0 win over Al Ahli. Khaldiya, who had been held to a goalless draw against Qatar’s Al Ahli SC in their AFC Champions League opener, struck early. Captain Sayed Dhiya’s whipped cross found Joel Beya, who volleyed emphatically into the roof of the net after just ten minutes.

Red card seals fate

Al Ahli, still bruised from their opening 3-0 defeat to Muharraq, tried to rally but Khaldiya’s organisation was unwavering. Any hope of a comeback evaporated when the hosts were reduced to ten men with just over ten minutes to play. Ali Ashoor’s men managed the closing stages with assurance, keeping pace with the champions and underlining their title credentials.