Hidd Stun Riffa in Convincing Win

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Al Hidd pulled off a surprise 3–0 victory over Riffa at Khalifa Sports City on Matchday 14 of the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League, while reigning champions Muharraq returned to the top of the table with a narrow win against Al Malkiya.

Under new Tunisian coach Chokri Bjeaoui, appointed just last week, Al Hidd started strongly. Adnan Fawaz opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb side-footed volley from a Walid Karoui long-range free kick, leaving Riffa goalkeeper Abdulkarim AlFardan with no chance. The hosts doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when substitute Ahmed Musa played a clever low pass to Karoui, who struck a clean volley into the far corner. Nine minutes later, Mohamed Al Akash completed the scoring following a swift counter-attack. Ebrahim AlOuali’s run down the left wing and skilful nutmeg set up Al Akash, who fired powerfully into the bottom corner.

Al Hidd were later reduced to 10 men in the 77th minute when Abdulla Al Ajmi was sent off, but the result was never in doubt. Riffa, managed by Mohammed Mashaan, missed the chance to stay level with league leaders Al Khaldiya and Muharraq and remain third with 30 points, while Al Hidd climb to fifth with 18 points, giving Bjeaoui a winning debut.

At Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Stadium, Muharraq struggled to break down a well-prepared Al Malkiya side, with the first half ending goalless. The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute when Brazilian striker Edimar Ribeiro da Costa, capitalised on a spilled cross from Anderson Leite to score his 11th league goal and remain topscorer.

Muharraq’s victory takes them to the summit with 33 points and a game in hand, with Al Khaldiya close behind and the chance to reclaim top spot in their next match.