Manama Stun Najma in Epic Comeback to Reach Final

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Manama club completed a stunning comeback to defeat Al Najma 77-75 last night and sweep their best-of-three semi-final series in the 2025-26 Khalifa Bin Salman Cup.

The victory sends Manama through to the tournament final after they recovered from as many as 17 points down and produced a dramatic late surge at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

After taking game one last Friday, Manama needed another big effort to finish off their opponents, but Najma looked in control early on.

They took a 26-19 lead at the end of the first quarter and extended their advantage in the second period while holding Manama to just 10 points in the frame, going into the break ahead 42-29.

Najma continued their strong play after the interval and pushed their lead to as many as 17 points in the third quarter. Manama, however, slowly chipped away at the deficit heading into the final period.

The turnaround came midway through the fourth. Three-pointers from Hasan Nowrooz sparked the rally, while Ali Jaber and Ahmed Salman added key baskets as Manama edged ahead.

Najma stayed within a single possession late, but Manama held on through a tense finish.

Manama’s Ali Jaber was named the game’s most valuable player after finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, playing a crucial role down the stretch. Alex Young and Salman also made timely contributions.

Donovan Smith led Najma’s charge but their early advantage ultimately slipped away.

With the win, Manama advance to the championship series where they will face the winners of the other semi-final between Al Muharraq and Al Ahli.

The result of their game two clash, also played last night at Khalifa Sports City, could not be included in this report as it concluded after TDT’s print deadline. If Muharraq secured a second win, they would advance directly to the final to face Manama. However, if Ahli managed to level the series, the two teams would meet in a decisive third game on March 18 to determine Manama’s opponents in the title clash.

Manama are aiming to claim the Khalifa Bin Salman Cup for a fourth time, which would give them the outright record for most titles in the competition’s history.