Al Khaldiya Stay Top as Malkiya Cruise to Big Win
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
Matchweek 20 of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League opened last night with important results at both ends of the table, as Al Khaldiya strengthened their title charge and Malkiya produced a dominant display against Bahrain Club.
At Khalifa Sports City, leaders Al Khaldiya edged Budaiya 1–0 to stay top of the standings. The breakthrough came almost immediately in the 2nd minute when Saifeddine Bouhra worked space on the left before delivering a cross for Joel Beya, who headed home from close range.
The early goal set the tone, with the Bouhra–Beya link causing constant problems in the opening stages. Budaiya responded with determination and felt aggrieved in the 17th minute after a penalty appeal was waved away. Despite growing into the game, they struggled to break through, as Ricardo Silva remained solid between the posts to preserve Al Khaldiya’s lead. After the break, the league leaders managed the tempo with composure, shutting down Budaiya’s late push to secure a vital three points.
The victory lifts Al Khaldiya to 51 points, restoring a two-point advantage over Muharraq ahead of next week’s highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. Budaiya stay in the relegation play-off zone on 21 points.
At the Bahrain National Stadium, Malkiya produced a clinical and relentless performance to sweep aside already-relegated Bahrain Club 4–0.
They struck early in the 8th minute when Hassan Madan cut the ball back for Hulrich Ibakeleki, who finished calmly from close range. Momentum quickly swung further in Malkiya’s favour, and in the 19th minute Isa Al Bari doubled the lead, meeting a perfectly weighted pass from Mohammed Salem to finish first time.
Just seven minutes later, Salem was involved again, setting up Khalid Khalaf, who rounded the goalkeeper with composure to make it 3–0 before the break.
The same duo combined once more in the 77th minute, as Khalaf completed his brace after reacting quickest to a rebound following another Salem effort from distance.
The win keeps Malkiya fourth on 33 points, while Bahrain Club remain rooted to the bottom on 7 points.
Matchweek 20 continues with Al Najma facing Muharraq and Hidd taking on A’ali, before concluding with Riffa against Al Shabab and Sitra meeting Al Ahli.
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