Muharraq Stay in Title Hunt

TDT | Manama

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Matchweek 19 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League ended in the same dramatic fashion it began, with no shortage of excitement across both fixtures. Muharraq edged Budaiya 1–0, while Riffa produced a thrilling 3–2 win over Al Ahli.

At Bahrain National Stadium, Muharraq continued their strong momentum following last week’s King’s Cup triumph with a 1–0 win over Budaiya. The Red Wolves created several clear chances in the 1st half, including Abdoulkarim Diarra striking the post in the 4th minute after Abdulla Al Khalasi set him up. Algerian forward Sami Frioui was also lively, twice going close, including a close-range header that went over the bar just before halftime.

Muharraq thought they had taken the lead in the 72nd minute when Abdulwahab Al Malood headed home after coming on as a substitute, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup, leading to strong protests from coach Fernando Santos.

The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute through another substitute, Hussain Abdulkarim. The Bahraini forward made an immediate impact, meeting a well-delivered cross from Elliot Simoes on the left and directing his header into the corner. The winning goal sparked emotional scenes as players ran towards the stands to celebrate with the fans in attendance.

The win keeps Muharraq second on 46 points, just two behind leaders Al Khaldiya with three games remaining, while Budaiya stay ninth on 21 points.

At Khalifa Sports City, Riffa and Al Ahli produced a five-goal thriller in one of the matches of the season, with Mohamed Mashaan’s side eventually prevailing 3–2 despite finishing with ten men.

Riffa struck first in the 30th minute when Ali Madan latched onto a long ball sequence involving Ebrahim Al Khattal and Vinicius Vargas, rounding goalkeeper Sayed Shubbar Alawi before finishing. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood. They doubled their lead just before the break when Gabriel Monteiro finished another long-ball move, meeting it cleanly as it bounced off the turf.

Al Ahli responded strongly after the restart. Faisal Hassan pulled one back in the 51st minute with a brilliant solo run past two defenders before placing his shot into the bottom corner. Just six minutes later, Victor Oliveira brought Al Ahli level, reacting quickest in the box after a corner scramble and finding the top corner.

Riffa were reduced to ten men in the 66th minute when Sayed Redha Isa was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Hassan, but despite the setback, they found a late winner in the 89th minute. Samuel Toscas struck the post from a free kick, and Thiago Fernandes reacted quickest to the rebound to seal all three points.

The match ended with further controversy as Al Ahli’s Hamza Buihamghet was also sent off for a violent off-the-ball challenge on Fernandes. Riffa remain third on 40 points, while Al Ahli sit seventh on 23 points.