King’s Cup 49th Edition: Semi-Final Line-Up Complete

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The final four of the 49th His Majesty the King’s Cup is now complete following Saturday night’s quarter-finals. Riffa and Al Ahli booked their semi-final places, joining holders Al Khaldiya and defending league champions Muharraq. Riffa defeated Bahrain Club 4–1, while Al Ahli overcame Al Ettifaq 4–1 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.

At Khalifa Sports City, seven-time winners Riffa quickly imposed themselves from the first whistle. Dejan Georgijevic struck inside the first minute with a low left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner. In the 31st minute, Wellington Moreira lofted a pass to Samuel Conceicao Toscas, who cleverly backheeled the ball to Ali Madan, doubling the lead. Georgijevic then scored a third from close range following a cross from Vinicius Vargas dos Santos, and substitute Ebrahim Al Khattal volleyed in a Sayed Redha Isa cross in the 63rd minute. Bahrain Club’s only goal came from an own goal by Ali Haram in the 76th minute, leaving Mohamed Mashaan’s side comfortably through.

Meanwhile, at Bahrain National Stadium, Al Ahli were made to work for their win against Al Ettifaq. The First Division leaders went ahead in the 12th minute through Ahmed Al Din, only for Al Ahli to equalise from a penalty by Abdulla Al Hashash in the 21st minute, awarded after Fabrice Onana was fouled in the box. Victor de Oliveira then put Al Ahli ahead with a tap-in assisted by Joao Maia, with VAR confirming the goal. In the final moments, Abdelghafour Mehri scored a penalty for handball to level the score, but he was sent off in the 99th minute for a second yellow card. As both sides canceled each other out and went to shootouts, Al Ahli went on to convert all four of their penalties, while Ettifaq missed two, sealing a 4–1 victory.

The semi-final line-up is now set: Riffa face holders Al Khaldiya, while league champions Muharraq take on Al Ahli, setting up the last four of the 49th King’s Cup.