Muharraq Go Top, Budaiya Boost Survival Hopes

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Matchweek 18 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, which began yesterday, delivered major shifts at both ends of the table. Muharraq moved to the top of the standings, while Budaiya boosted their survival hopes with a late win over Al Najma At Khalifa Sports City Stadium, reigning champions Muharraq edged Al Hidd 1–0 in a tightly contested match that opened up after the interval. The Red Wolves initially thought they had taken the lead in the 33rd minute when Sami Frioui finished a flowing move involving Soufiane Mahrouk and Bruno Santos, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute, when Frioui reacted quickest inside the box to turn home from close range after Mahrouk and Edimar Ribeiro da Costa combined to break down the Al Hidd defence. Muharraq controlled the game from there, and they were briefly denied a chance to double their lead when they appealed for a penalty in the 72nd minute after a handball by Rashid Boumousous. However, referee Mohamed Bunafoor reviewed the incident and overturned the claim after VAR intervention, awarding a goal kick instead.

That proved enough to secure all three points and send Muharraq top on 43 points, with a game in hand over Al Khaldiya, while Al Hidd remain fifth on 24 points after a disciplined display undone by a single moment.

At Al Ahli Stadium, Budaiya came from behind to defeat Al Najma 2–1 in a match defined by quick replies and late drama. Al Najma struck first in the 36th minute when Mohammed Abdulqayoom met a set piece with a composed volley, but their lead did not last long. Six minutes later, Kablan Davy N’Goma latched onto a precise through ball from Clement Ogobe to bring Budaiya level before the break.

The contest swung late on when Al Najma captain Saud Al Hazza was sent off for a foul on N’Goma, conceding a penalty in the process. Although N’Goma’s initial spot-kick was saved, VAR ruled that goalkeeper Ammar Mohammed Jaffar had stepped off his line, forcing a retake that Naser Mohammed converted to complete the turnaround.

Al Najma pushed for a late equaliser, but Zachary Hadji missed a clear opportunity as Budaiya held firm under pressure. The result leaves Al Najma in the relegation play-off zone in 9th place on 19 points, while Budaiya climb to 7th on 21 points, easing their survival concerns.

League action continues tonight with Bahrain Club facing Al Ahli at 5:25pm, followed by Sitra meeting Al Khaldiya at 7:35pm at Khalifa Sports City Stadium.