Al Ahli Hold Firm as Riffa Strike Late

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Matchweek 18 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League continued yesterday with Al Ahli edging Bahrain Club 2–1, while Riffa struck late to beat A’ali 1-0 and stay in the upper half of the table.

At the Bahrain National Stadium, the match started at pace. Al Ahli led in the 8th minute when Abdulla Al Hashash met a corner from João Victor Coutinho, heading in his 10th goal of the season and moving within two of the league’s top scorer, Edimar Ribeiro da Costa.

Bahrain Club responded in the 12th minute. Mohamed Jamal’s long throw was flicked on by Sultan Al Salatneh, and Jassim Khalil headed home with a deflection off Hamed Toure helping it in.

The game turned in the 17th minute when Khalil was sent off for a reckless two-footed challenge on Atton Paved Job Bah, leaving Bahrain Club with ten men for over 70 minutes.

Al Ahli thought they had retaken the lead on the half-hour mark when Hashash tapped in from Hussain Haroona’s cross, but it was ruled offside. Their pressure told three minutes later as Atton Paved Job Bah reacted to a loose ball and set up Faisal Habib, who finished into the bottom corner.

Al Ahli controlled thereafter, limiting Bahrain Club’s chances. The win lifts them to seventh on 23 points, while Bahrain Club remain bottom on seven points, looking increasingly destined for relegation.

At Khalifa Sports City, Riffa dominated possession against A’ali but struggled to break through in the first half.

Riffa coach Mohamed Mashaan watched from the stands due to a disciplinary suspension, as his side were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Omar Rajab, who kept A’ali level with a series of saves. The pattern continued into the second half as Riffa pressed without reward.

In the 80th minute, Vinicius Vargas was denied from close range when Rajab tipped his effort onto the bar.

Just when A’ali looked set for a point, Riffa struck in the 89th minute. A short corner opened space on the left, and Rodrigo Yuri crossed for substitute Ali Madan to head home.

The result keeps Riffa third on 37 points, six points off the top, while A’ali remain fourth on 25.

Matchweek 18 concludes today with Al Malkiya facing Al Shabab at 5:25pm, before Sitra meet Al Khaldiya at 7:35pm, with Lasssad Al Chabbi’s side looking to reclaim top spot.