Quarter-Finals Loom in King’s Cup Title Race

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The quarter-final pairings for HM The King’s Cup have been confirmed, with four fixtures scheduled for the final weekend of February. All matches will kick off at 9pm to accommodate Ramadan, allowing players and supporters to break their fast before the evening c ontests.

Action begins on Friday, February 27, with a double-header. League leaders and champions Muharraq will face Al Shabab at Khalifa Sports City Stadium. The Red Wolves enter the quarter-finals following a disappointing loss to Riffa on penalties in the Khalid bin Hamad Cup final. Despite that setback, Portuguese head coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos’ side will look to refocus and maintain momentum in pursuit of football’s most prestigious prize in Bahrain. Al Shabab, meanwhile, arrive on the back of a dramatic round-of-16 comeback against Al Malkiya and will aim to extend that form.

Simultaneously, defending King’s Cup champions Al Khaldiya take on A’ali at Bahrain National Stadium. Al Khaldiya progressed with a 7–0 win over second-division Al Hala, while A’ali qualified with a 2–0 victory against Al Najma, thanks to goals from Yazid Abdul-llah and Diego Cardoso. The match presents a clear test for the holders, who will need at their best against an in-form challenger.

The following evening, Saturday, February 28, the quarter-finals continue with Al Ahli facing First Division side Al Ettifaq at Bahrain National Stadium. Al Ahli booked their place after a penalty shootout win over Budaiya. Ettifaq, the sole lower-tier side remaining, will look to exploit any opportunities and cause an upset against topflight opposition, adding an unpredictable element to the last eight.

At the same time, Bahrain Club meet reigning Khalid bin Hamad Cup winners Riffa at Khalifa Sports City Stadium. Bahrain Club have endured a difficult Premier League campaign, but the knockout format offers a chance to revive their season. Riffa, riding the confidence of their KHK Cup triumph, will aim to continue their winning run and assert dominance in the domestic cup.

With the bracket now complete, the King’s Cup quarter-finals promise competitive ties across both nights, combining title favourites, in-form challengers, and a lower-division side aiming to make their mark.