King’s Cup favourites in action tonight

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The King’s Cup, the “crown jewel” of Bahraini football and the country’s premier annual competition, reaches its quarter-finals tonight with two 9pm fixtures. League champions Muharraq face Al Shabab at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, while holders Al Khaldiya Club meet A’ali Club at Bahrain National Stadium.

The Red Wolves arrive seeking redemption after their Khalid bin Hamad Cup final defeat earlier this season. Their 6–0 round-of-16 win over Isa Town, featuring goals from Abdulla Al Khalasi, Samy Frioui, and Sofufiane Mahrouk, was a reminder of the attacking quality in Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos’ squad. Sitting second in the Nasser Bin Hamad Premier League with 36 points, they have combined consistency with firepower, though a single lapse or moment can shift a cup tie.

Meanwhile, Al Shabab, 11th with 9 points in the NPL, progressed with a comeback win over Al Malkiya. Mohammed AlMuqla’s side will now look to disrupt Muharraq and capitalise on any opportunities, knowing that the favourites’ superior quality demands full focus.

At Bahrain National Stadium, Lassad Al Chabbi’s Al Khaldiya will hope to maintain the momentum that has taken them to the top of the league on head-to-head advantage. The holders have a strong pedigree in the competition, having won the King’s Cup twice. Their maiden title came in 2021–22, when they defeated East Riffa 4–3 on penalties after a goalless draw, and they lifted the trophy again in 2024–25 with a 3–2 comeback victory over Sitra, playing much of the match with ten men. This season, their 7–0 round-of-16 win over Al Hala highlighted their ruthlessness in front of goal, with goals from Saiffedine Bouhra, Joel Beya, Gleison Moreira, and veteran Ismail Abdullatif. Sitting atop the league with 36 points, Al Khaldiya will look to dictate the tempo against a familiar and occasionally stubborn foe.

A’ali, sixth in the league table with 19 points, advanced with a 2–0 win over Al Najma thanks to Yazid Abdul-llah and Diego Cardoso. They will aim to make the most of any openings and test the holders over 90 minutes.

The last two ties follow on Saturday, with Al Ahli meeting First Division side Al Ettifaq at Bahrain National Stadium and Bahrain Club taking on reigning Khalid bin Hamad Cup winners Riffa at Khalifa Sports City Stadium. The outcomes over these two nights will complete the line-up for the semi-finals, setting the stage for the road to the last four.