Muharraq Back on Top

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Muharraq returned to the top of the 2025-26 Nasser bin Hamad Premier League standings last night with a 3-1 win over Al Najma at Khalifa Sports City, as the title race continues to heat up during Matchweek 20.

Under Portuguese coach Fernando Manuel de Jesus, Muharraq started brightly and dominated early possession, creating several clear chances. Their best opportunity of the first half came in the 33rd minute when Abdulwahab Al Malood met Elliot Simoes’ cross with a close-range header, only for Al Najma goalkeeper Ammar Mohammed to produce an excellent save.

Muharraq broke the deadlock early in the second half when Soufiane Mahrouk capitalised on defensive confusion in the 49th minute. A long ball caused uncertainty between defender Dusan Jokovic and the advancing goalkeeper, allowing Mahrouk to finish into an empty net.

Al Najma responded quickly, equalising in the 55th minute through Zachary Hadji, who reacted first in a crowded box after a set-piece scramble to level the score.

The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Hussain Abdulkarim struck again following his heroics last week. The forward latched onto a clever lobbed pass from Mahrouk and lifted a composed finish over the goalkeeper to restore Muharraq’s lead.

Simoes then sealed the win in the 84th minute when his corner kick surprisingly sailed directly into the net. Al Najma briefly thought they had pulled one back through Hadji, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Elsewhere, A’ali secured a 1-0 victory over Al Hidd at the Bahrain National Stadium. Diego Cardoso scored the only goal in the 11th minute, heading in Matheus Lima’s free-kick.

The match was not without controversy, as Al Hidd were awarded a second-half penalty after a VAR review upheld the decision for a foul inside the area, despite strong protests from A’ali’s bench. Osama Belatrech stepped up but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Omar Salem Rajab in the 59th minute.

With these results, Muharraq moved top of the table on 49 points, one ahead of Al Khaldiya, who still have a game in hand. The two sides meet next Monday in a top-of-the-table clash that could have major implications in the title race.

Today’s fixtures bring Matchweek 20 to a close, with Al Shabab facing Riffa at Khalifa Sports City and Al Ahli taking on Sitra at the Bahrain National Stadium, both kicking off simultaneously.