Khalifa bin Salman Cup Final Locked In

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Defending champions Muharraq and Manama will meet in the final of the 2025-26 Khalifa Bin Salman Cup after both teams completed clean sweeps in their best-of-three semi-final series on Saturday night. Manama were first to advance, defeating Al Najma 77-75 in Game 2 to take the series 2-0, having won Game 1 by 78-66 under head coach Salman Ramadan. Muharraq followed suit with a 96-80 victory over Al Ahli, completing their 2-0 sweep after a 93-87 win in Game 1. The championship match is now scheduled for March 23 at Khalifa Sports City Arena, the BBA announced yesterday.

Manama’s win over Najma featured a remarkable turnaround. Najma dominated early, leading 26-19 after the first quarter and 42-29 at halftime, extending their advantage to 50-33 in the third quarter. Manama chipped away steadily, and a late third-quarter surge set the stage for the final period, when Hasan Nowrooz hit a decisive three-pointer to give his team a 65-61 lead. Najma briefly tied the game, but Manama pulled away in the closing minutes. Nowrooz finished with 18 points, including four three-pointers off the bench, while captain Ahmed Salman added 16, and MVP Ali Jaber contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Najma’s Mohammed Hussain scored 20 points with nine rebounds, supported by Donovan Smith’s 16.

Manama will also be hoping for the recovery of Subah Hussain, who left the court with a snapped left knee after a natural collision in Game 2. “We know the final will be very challenging,” said Salman. “Muharraq are the defending champions and a strong team, so it won’t be easy. But we will prepare well and give everything we have.”

Later, Muharraq reinforced their status as title favourites with a Game 2 win over Al Ahli. They led 22-13 after the first quarter and 46-34 by halftime, stretching the lead beyond 20 points in the third quarter. Bader Abdulla led the winners with 19 points, Mohamed Ameer added 15, Nick West 13, and Wayne Chism dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. Al Ahli’s Anthony Fairley scored 19 with 10 rebounds, Maitham Jameel 14, and Kenneth Kadji 12. The Red Wolves had led the series for 74 minutes and 30 seconds before closing out in Game 2, demonstrating control throughout both semi-final matches. Under the guidance of German coach Peter Schomers, Muharraq reached the final with authority. “We’re proud to reach the final again,” said Muharraq captain Bader Malabes. “Manama are a strong opponent, but we promise to give everything we have to retain the title.”

With both teams advancing in style, Manama, three-time winners, will face defending champions Muharraq, who hold two titles, for the season’s top prize. A win for Manama would give them the outright record for the most Khalifa Bin Salman Cup titles, while a Muharraq victory would allow the defending champions to retain the crown. The March 23 clash at Khalifa Sports City Arena will decide which of Bahrain’s most successful basketball clubs claims the prestigious trophy this year.