Muharraq Assert Title Credentials While Budaiya Slip

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq moved to the top of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League table yesterday following a comfortable 3-0 win over Sitra at Khalifa Sports City. Under Portuguese coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, the reigning 35-time champions set the tone from the opening whistle.

The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Brazilian Arthur Rezende unleashed a spectacular 40-yard free kick. A deflection left Sitra goalkeeper Omar Ali with little chance, giving the Red Wolves an early lead. From there, the momentum never slowed.

By the 23rd minute, Bahrain international Abdulwahad Al Malood doubled the advantage. Capitalising on a careless turnover from Sitra fullback Vincent Emmanuel, Al Malood chipped the onrushing keeper, using his experience to stay composed under pressure. Before halftime, Angolan striker Elliot Simoes completed the scoring. An endto-end counterattack saw Sami Frioui drive forward and link with Soufiane Mahrouk, whose pass deflected off Frioui before Simoes reacted quickly to finish with a half-volley from close range. The result sends Muharraq to the top of the table with 40 points, a single point ahead of rivals Al Khaldiya, though the Red Wolves hold a game in hand. Sitra remain in ninth on 18 points, struggling to climb out of the lower reaches of the table.

Later in the day at Bahrain National Stadium, Budaiya fell 2-0 to Al Hidd in a match that nearly turned on controversy. Budaiya’s Abdulaziz Al Shaikh appeared to be sent off in the 25th minute for a dangerous challenge in midfield, but VAR intervened to downgrade the decision to a yellow card.

The deadlock was broken in the 56th minute by substitute Oussama Belatreche. A corner from Mahmoud Kayssoumi found the Algerian, who met it with a header to score his eighth goal of the season. Gambian forward Jumai Jallow sealed the win in the 89th minute, finishing clinically after a neat assist from Belatreche. Al Hidd remain in fifth on 25 points under Tunisian coach Chokri Bjeaoui, who took charge in February, while Budaiya stay 10th with 18.

Looking ahead, Matchweek 17 concludes tonight with two intriguing fixtures. Al Khaldiya have the chance to reclaim top spot when they face fellow title challengers Riffa at Bahrain National Stadium at 5:15 PM, providing a tantalizing preview of next Friday’s King’s Cup semi-final between the same sides. Later, at Khalifa Sports City, Al Ahli take on Al Malkiya at 7:30 PM, with both teams eager to finish the week on a high.