Al Najma Beat Sitra to Boost Survival Hopes

Sitra and Bahrain Club endured frustrating days as Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League matchday 14 concluded today, with both sides dropping closer to the relegation zone. Al Najma and Budaiya took full advantage of their rivals’ struggles, securing vital wins to climb the table.

At Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium, Al Najma edged past Sitra 2-0 in a contest that tested both teams’ resolve. The opener arrived in the dying moments of the first half when Ali Al Doseri’s clever low ball aimed for Zachary Al Hadji led to an unfortunate own goal from Sitra’s Maicon Douglas. Earlier, Al Najma had missed a penalty, as Hadji’s low effort was comfortably saved by Sitra goalkeeper Youssef Habib.

Sitra, still reeling from their recent exit in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League, struggled to regain composure. Al Najma doubled the lead in the 65th minute through Hadji, who executed a sensational turn and fired from a tight angle at the near post following a swift counterattack. The win lifts Al Najma to eighth with 15 points, just above the relegation zone, while Ali Abdulmajeed’s side slip to ninth, also on 15 points, highlighting their difficult run of form.

Meanwhile, at Khalifa Sports City, Bahrain Club suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Budaiya in a game marked by disciplinary issues. Captain Abdulla Zayed was sent off in the 20th minute after protesting a decision, and co-captain Mohammed Khalid received a second red in the 35th minute following a dangerous challenge. Budaiya capitalised on the numerical advantage, opening the scoring from a penalty converted by Brazilian Adriano Filgueira in the 41st minute. In the second half, Daniel Asante and Filgueira added further goals, the latter heading in a cross from Abdulaziz Al Shaikh to seal a comprehensive victory against 9 men.

The defeat leaves Bahrain Club anchored at the bottom in 11th place with seven points after 11 losses, while Budaiya climb to sixth with 18 points, gaining crucial momentum in the mid-table battle.

The league resumes with matchday 15 on February 19, following the start of Ramadan, with all fixtures scheduled for 9pm after iftar.