Al Malkiya Leave It Late as Al Khaldiya Go Top
Matchweek 18 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League ended in late drama at both ends of the table, with Al Malkiya beating Al Shabab 1–0 and Al Khaldiya defeating Sitra 3–1 to go top.
In the early kickoff at the Bahrain National Stadium, Al Malkiya needed a late breakthrough to overcome a stubborn Al Shabab side. With the match defined by fine margins and few clear chances, the decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute.
Before that, tensions had already risen. Samuel Sarfo’s sliding challenge on Daniel Omokhoa in the 76th minute was reviewed for a possible red card but ultimately judged to be a foul only. Minutes later, Isa Al Bari was booked for simulation after going down inside the area, further frustrating Al Malkiya’s search for a winner.
When the breakthrough finally came, it was worth the wait. Cyril Olisema slipped a short pass into Abdulahalim Abdo on the edge of the box, and the Moroccan unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Rashid Aldoseri helpless.
The result lifts Al Malkiya to fourth place on 27 points, while Al Shabab remain stuck in 11th on 11 points, still inside the relegation zone and struggling for hope.
Later at Khalifa Sports City, Al Khaldiya produced a controlled yet eventful 3–1 victory over Sitra to return to the summit.
Sitra started brightly and nearly struck early when Othman Al Hajj latched onto a long ball, forcing an important save from Ricardo Silva. However, Al Khaldiya gradually settled and struck just before halftime. Joel Beya converted from the penalty spot after Dominique Mendy was fouled during a cross from Mohammed Adel, marking his 10th goal of the season.
After the break, Sitra pushed for an equaliser, but Lassaad Al Chabbi's side remained disciplined and dangerous on the break. Their second goal arrived in the 80th minute when Nizar El Otmani drove forward and unleashed a powerful long-range strike beyond Yousif Habib.
Sitra briefly responded through Bruno Bezerra, who finished calmly in the 86th minute after a loose ball fell behind the defence. But their comeback ended in stoppage time when Abdulrahman Oumar was sent off for a last-man foul.
Moments later, Al Khaldiya were awarded a penalty, and Mohammed Al Romaihi converted to seal a 3–1 win.
The victory moves Al Khaldiya back to the top of the table on 45 points, two clear of Muharraq, while Sitra remain in the relegation play-off zone on 18 points.
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