Muharraq Lift NBB Super Cup on Penalties

Smile Society children inspire unforgettable night

Muharraq lifted the NBB U21 Super Cup on Tuesday evening, holding off Al Najma in a penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 at the Bahrain Football Association. The final was as much a celebration of youth football as it was a display of NBB’s ongoing partnership with the Smile Society, which placed children battling cancer at the centre of the event.

Children Lead Celebrations

Hisham Abu Alfateh, NBB’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, told the Daily Tribune: “We wanted at the National Bank of Bahrain to instill a different culture altogether in sports. Linking youth football with charity is a great opportunity, and investing in youth always pays off. The Smile initiative is phenomenal — what they do every day, day in, day out, is extraordinary. We hope this event starts a trend where community investment and happiness are shared widely.”

The evening began with powerful scenes as Smile Society children walked hand in hand with the players onto the pitch. Each child received a personalized jersey marked “Champion,” and one youngster struck the ceremonial first kick. Sabah AlZayani of the Smile Society reflected on the moment: “It’s very unique and creative to use a sport initiative like this. Today, we’re not just celebrating or inviting our heroes; we’re also inviting our champions who were cured from cancer. Four of them rang the bell to announce the start of a new chapter in their lives.”

One child expressed the emotional weight of the evening: “Regarding the jersey, it feels magical. Who knew I would be wearing this champion's shirt? Who knew I would be battling this type of sickness? It’s really overwhelming.” Their excitement was mirrored by parents and spectators, who were visibly moved by the combination of sport, celebration, and hope.

Late Drama Unfolds

On the pitch, Muharraq controlled much of the match. Abdulla Ebrahim’s penalty in the 56th minute gave them the lead, and Al Najma responded by pressing high in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Mahir AlHammad struck to level the score and nearly snatched the win with a curling free kick, sending the game to penalties.

Sanad The Hero

The penalty shootout was a back-and-forth affair, with attempts being saved and others blasted over the bar. In the end, goalkeeper Ebrahim Sanad produced the decisive stop to secure Muharraq’s win and the Super Cup title.

Beyond the pitch, the event was a testament to NBB’s commitment to community engagement. Abu Alfateh added: “What we’ve seen from the parents, the kids, the players themselves — it was astonishing. Everyone was grateful and a bit surprised because this was the first time something like this was done. Everyone deserves community investment and to feel appreciated.”

The match not only celebrated the young players but also highlighted the profound impact of combining grassroots sport with meaningful social initiatives. Through this partnership, the children of the Smile Society were not just spectators but central participants, creating moments that will be remembered long after the final whistle.