Dar Kulaib to face Muharraq in Crown Prince Cup final

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Dar Kulaib survived a major scare to reach the Crown Prince Cup final with a 3–1 semi-final win over Bani Jamra at Isa bin Rashid Volleyball Arena last night, before Muharraq beat Al Ahli to set up the title clash.

Bahrain Volleyball Association President Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was among those in attendance for a night that featured two contrasting semi-finals: Dar Kulaib endured a tense battle and Muharraq produced a straight-sets win.

In the opening semi-final, Bani Jamra, coached by Mohammed Al Jaboori, made a strong start and took the first set 25–21. Dar Kulaib, led by Ivan Joksimovic, responded immediately, levelling the match with a dominant 25–16 second set as Enock Mogeni’s influence grew.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with Dar Kulaib taking early control and closing it 25–18. Mahmood Abdulwahab and Enock Mogeni were decisive in transition, repeatedly punishing Bani Jamra, who struggled for consistency in longer rallies.

The fourth set delivered the night’s defining drama, with both teams locked together early and neither able to establish control. At 10–10, Mogeni brought Dar Kulaib level before play was briefly halted after a collision between two Bani Jamra players at the net. When action resumed, Abdulla Jaffar put Bani Jamra ahead 12–10, but was later penalised for over-celebration.

From there, the set became a tense exchange of runs and errors. Abdulwahab’s touch at the net gave Dar Kulaib an 18–17 lead, before Mogeni finished a long rally for 19–18. The lead continued to swing amid net violations, disputed calls, and mounting pressure as the score reached 23–23. At 25–25, Abdulwahab struck again to edge Dar Kulaib ahead, and despite Bani Jamra briefly going 29–28 up, Dar Kulaib held firm. Abdulwahab and Mogeni then combined for the decisive block-touch winner to seal a 30–28 fourth set and a 3–1 victory.

In the second semi-final, Muharraq produced a far more comfortable performance to defeat bitter rivals Al Ahli 3–0 (25–18, 25–22, 25–17). Muharraq controlled proceedings throughout, closing out the match in straight sets after a decisive final sequence. An Al Ahli service error opened the door for Muharraq to reach match point, before Sayed Hashim Ali played the final rally. Although his attack was initially thought to be out, a video challenge review confirmed a block touch, sealing Muharraq’s victory.

The final is now set for Saturday, with Dar Kulaib taking on Muharraq. Dar Kulaib are targeting a domestic double following their Isa bin Rashid League triumph last month, while Muharraq go into the final as reigning champions.