Riffa Stay Firm in Title Hunt

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Matchday 13 of the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League wrapped up yesterday with decisive victories for Riffa and A’ali, shaking up both the top and mid-table standings.

At Khalifa Sports City, Riffa defeated Sitra 3–1 to move level on points with leaders Al Khaldiya and second-placed Muharraq. Mohammed Mashaan’s side started brightly and were rewarded in the 25th minute. Ali Madan delivered a precise long-range free kick that Samuel Toscas met with a low header, beating goalkeeper Youssef Habib. On the stroke of halftime, Riffa thought they had doubled their advantage through Yacouba Diarra, but VAR ruled the goal out due to a handball in the build-up, leaving the score 1–0 at the break.

The second half saw Riffa pull away. Madan struck a superb goal in the 67th minute, skipping past his marker to slot into the near post. Just three minutes later, Wellington’s cross found Toscas, who squared the ball for Gabryel de Andrade to score. The Brazilian’s first-time finish into the top corner left Sitra helpless. A late penalty rebound gave Sitra a consolation, with Carlos Cavafe heading home after Abdulkarim Fardan saved the initial strike from Juda da Silva.

Meanwhile, A’ali overcame Al Najma 2–0 at Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium. Captain Faisal Ghazi’s sensational delivery from the wing led to Diego Cardoso rising to head home in the 53rd minute. Seven minutes later, a midfield scramble ended with Riad Idbouiguiguine finding Englishman Layton Nduwku, who fired emphatically into the top-right corner.

With these results, Riffa join Al Khaldiya and Muharraq on 30 points at the summit. Sitra are in ninth on 15 points, A’ali sit fifth on 16, and Al Najma occupy 10th with 12 points.