Budaiya Stun Al Ahli in Dramatic Comeback

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Budaiya completed a sensational turnaround yesterday at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, coming from 2-0 down to beat Al Ahli 3-2 in Matchday 11 of the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League. Sayed Hassan Isa’s men looked out of luck after early goals from Abdulla Al Hashash and Fabrice Onana, but Budaiya’s resilience, led by Daniel Asante and Adriano Suarez, ultimately turned the game on its head.

Al Ahli opened the scoring in the 5th minute after a clever build-up from Hamza Buihamghet and Victor de Oliveira, allowing Al Hashash to squeeze the ball past a crowded box. Thirteen minutes later, Victor de Oliveira again orchestrated the attack, teeing up Onana on the edge of the box. The Brazilian danced past defenders and hammered the ball into the net to double Al Ahli’s lead, seemingly putting the game beyond Budaiya’s reach.

However, Budaiya refused to back down. They sparked their comeback in the 64th minute when Abdulrahim Sido pounced on a loose cross from Asante, finishing first-time to make it 2-1. Ten minutes later, Adriano Suarez drew the visitors level, turning smartly in the box after another probing run from Asante. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Daniel Asante capped a rapid counterattack, sliding the ball into an empty net to complete a remarkable turnaround that sent the Budaiya fans into jubilation.

Elsewhere, Al Hidd were comfortable 2-0 winners against Al Shabab at Bahrain National Stadium. Mohamed Al Akash opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a slick team move involving Oussema Belatrech and Adnan Fawaz, finishing expertly in the box. The win was sealed in the 70th minute when Belatrech converted a penalty following Abdulrahman Ali’s high boot on Al Akash, a decision confirmed by VAR that also saw Ali sent off.

These results have tightened the mid-table battle. Al Hidd’s win moves them to 13 points, consolidating fifth place, while Budaiya’s dramatic victory lifts them to 12 points, level with Al Ahli as both sides look to climb higher in the standings.

Matchday 11 continues today, with Aali facing champions Muharraq at 4:25 pm at Khalifa Sports City, followed by Malkiya taking on Sitra at 7:00 pm at Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Stadium.