Al Malkiya Deal Blow to Al Najma’s Relegation Fight

Matchweek 19 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League continued yesterday with Al Malkiya producing a strong second-half display to beat Al Najma 3–0, while Al Shabab secured a 1–0 win over Bahrain Club at Bahrain National Stadium.

Al Malkiya 3–0 Al Najma

Al Najma controlled possession in the opening half and looked the more composed side on the ball, but they struggled to turn dominance into clear chances as the match went into the break level at 0–0. Al Malkiya, however, remained dangerous on the counter and grew into the game.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 61st minute through Ahmed Muslim, finishing off a well-constructed team move. Talal Al Sherooqi sparked the move with a well-weighted pass into Hassan Madan on the byline. Madan reacted quickly to cut the ball back across goal, allowing Ahmed Muslim to take a controlled touch inside the box before finishing calmly to give his side the lead.

Just six minutes later, Al Malkiya doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion. Hassan Isa intercepted possession in midfield before unleashing a powerful low strike from nearly 30 yards, beating goalkeeper Ammar Mohammed into the bottom corner.

Al Najma’s frustration continued, and in the 84th minute Al Malkiya sealed the win. Abdulla Al Hayki delivered a cross from the right side of the box, and Hassan Madan controlled well with his chest before finishing to make it 3–0.

The result strengthens Al Malkiya’s hold on fourth place, moving them five points clear of the chasing pack. Al Najma drop to 10th on 19 points and remain in the relegation playoff zone.

Al Shabab 1–0 Bahrain Club

At Bahrain National Stadium, Al Shabab edged a closely contested encounter against Bahrain Club, with both sides showing early intent in a balanced first half that ended goalless.

Al Shabab made the decisive breakthrough almost immediately after the restart, as a corner delivered by Nigerian winger Daniel Etor led to an own goal from Sultan Al Salatneh. He inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear.

Bahrain Club responded with pressure but were unable to find an equaliser, as Al Shabab managed the game well to protect their narrow lead.

The victory keeps Al Shabab in 11th place on 14 points, while Bahrain Club remain bottom of the table in 12th on 7 points and continue to face relegation concerns.