Budaiya hit four, Al Ahli fight back

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Al Ahli finally found resistance in the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, holding A’ali to a 1-1 draw at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium. It was their first point of the season after defeats to Muharraq and Al Khaldiya. A’ali, who beat Al Najma last time out, remain steady with four points.

Diego Cardoso struck first in the 38th minute, capitalising on Ali Sahwan’s misjudged header. His namesake Jordão Cardoso unselfishly squared the ball, leaving Diego to finish from close range.

But the moment of the night belonged to substitute Faisal Hassan. In the 73rd minute, a half-cleared corner fell invitingly and Hassan unleashed a thunderous half-volley from distance. The ball whistled past everyone before crashing into the corner, salvaging a point for Al Ahli.

Budaiya too strong

If Ahli’s point provided relief, Budaiya’s emphatic 4-1 win over Bahrain SC at Khalifa Sports City Stadium sent a statement. After a draw and a narrow defeat in their opening two games, this was a resounding response.

Captain Clement opened the scoring inside three minutes after fine wing play from Asante, who wriggled past two defenders before Abdulaziz Al-Shaikh arrived in support to square for his skipper. Bahrain SC briefly levelled when Budaiya failed to clear their lines, Gabriel Oliveira pouncing to feed Gabriel Monteiro, who made no mistake with the finish.

Budaiya, though, regained control before the break. Kaplan released Clement wide on the left and his dangerous cross took a deflection, falling perfectly for Asante to stoop low and head in clinically.

The second half belonged to the hosts. Kaplan curled a left-footed free-kick from just outside the area into the top corner at the near post, a strike of real quality. And the victory was complete late on when Asante’s persistence kept a long ball alive, turning smartly to find substitute Abdulla Al Bahraini, who swept home first time.

Early Season Picture

Al Ahli remain 11th with one point, Bahrain SC are rock bottom without any. Budaiya leap to sixth on four points, level with A’ali in eighth.

The Nasser bin Hamad Premier League now pauses and resumes with matchday four on October 3.