Debutant Coutinho Stuns League Leaders

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Matchday 13 of the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League got underway last night with a surprise at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium, as Al Ahli edged league leaders Al Khaldiya 1-0 thanks to a debut goal from Joao Vitor Coutinho. The Brazilian, who only joined Al Ahli a day earlier from Saudi Second Division side Al Njoom FC, struck in the 40th minute to condemn Al Khaldiya to their first defeat since Matchday 4.

The loss dents their grip on the summit (30 pts) and gives chasing Muharraq the chance to reclaim top spot on goal difference, while Al Ahli climb to seventh (15 pts) after a disciplined display.

Al Khaldiya, led by Tunisian coach Lassaad Chabbi, started brightly and thought they had taken the lead inside two minutes. A swift move involving Moroccan duo Saiffedine Bouhra and Anas Ouahim ended with Ouahim finishing from close range, but VAR ruled Bouhra marginally offside in the build-up. Moments later, Bouhra was fouled in the box by Al Hashash; the penalty was confirmed by VAR, but Joel Beya sent his effort over the bar.

Al Ahli punished that wastefulness five minutes before the break. Seconds after Abbas Al Asfoor rattled the post with a half-volley, Coutinho picked up the ball outside the box and fired a shot that deflected off Al Khaldiya captain Ahmed Bughammar and into the bottom corner, sealing a dream debut.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al Khaldiya pressing for an equaliser as frustration mounted. Their clearest chance came in the final two minutes when Bouhra drifted into space on the left and struck the side netting. Moments later, Ouahim, who had a frustrating game, narrowly avoided a second yellow for a stamp on Al Ahli’s Fabrice Onana, but it proved inconsequential as Al Khaldiya could not find their equalizer.

Earlier at Khalifa Sports City, Budaiya and Al Malkiya played out a goalless draw, leaving Budaiya fifth on 16 points, with Al Malkiya one place above (23 pts). Matchday 13 continues tonight as Al Hidd face Bahrain Club at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Stadium and defending champions Muharraq host Al Shabab at Khalifa Sports City, both at 7pm.