10-man Muharraq stun Al Ahli to reach final

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq overcame rivals Al Ahli in the Kingdom’s “Clásico” yesterday to book their place in the final of the 49th edition of the King’s Cup.

In doing so, they set up a meeting with Riffa, who also advanced after a dramatic semi-final win against Al Khalidya on Friday.

Muharraq held on for a 2-1 victory at Khalifa Sports City Stadium despite playing more than half the match with 10 men. The contest was defined by early mistakes, VAR interventions, and relentless late pressure.

The Red Wolves, led by Portuguese head coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos, made a dream start.

Just two minutes in, they capitalised on a costly defensive error as Saud Al Asam’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Abdulwahab Al Malood.

The move was worked quickly into the path of Edimar Ribeiro da Costa, who released Arthur Rezende. The Brazilian finished first time with a composed sidefoot past Sayed Shubbar Ebrahim.

Al Ahli responded almost immediately when Rodrigo Varanda tapped into an empty net. However, the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up, denying the Eagles a swift equaliser.

The match then swung dramatically early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Rezende was sent off after a high boot caught Hamza Buihamghet, leaving the Moroccan bloodied.

Following a lengthy VAR review, referee Mohammed Rashid brandished a straight red card, reducing Muharraq to 10 men. Even so, Muharraq struck again in the 57th minute to extend their lead. Edimar once more proved pivotal, threading a precise pass through the defence to Soufiane Mahrouk.

He held off pressure from Saud Al Asam and finished powerfully to make it 2-0. Al Ahli responded with sustained pressure and were rewarded in the 68th minute. Abdulla Al Hashash reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and fired a bouncing half-volley into the corner, setting up a tense final stretch.

The closing stages brought further controversy. In stoppage time, Al Ahli were initially awarded a penalty after a challenge involving Muharraq captain Waleed Al Hayyam on Sayed Mohammed Amin. However, following another VAR review, the decision was overturned and the yellow card rescinded. Ultimately, Muharraq withstood the pressure to secure victory, booking their place in the final where they will meet Riffa, who beat them in last February’s Khalid bin Hamad Cup decider.