Al Ettihad, Manama Confirm Playoff Spots

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The First Division promotion race to the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League has been settled with one round still to play, as last night’s results confirmed both automatic promotion spots and playoff positions.

Al Ittifaq and East Riffa had already secured automatic promotion prior to Matchweek 21 and continue to lead the standings, while Al Ettihad and Manama have now officially booked their places in the promotion/relegation playoffs.

East Riffa maintained their impressive form with a 4–2 win over Al Hala at FIFA Stadium. They started brightly, racing into a two-goal lead inside 16 minutes. Al Hala responded after the break to level the match, but East Riffa regained control with a 51st-minute penalty before sealing the win in the 70th minute. A missed late penalty from Al Hala summed up their frustrating evening.

The standout result came from Al Ettihad, who secured their playoff spot emphatically with a 5–0 victory over Etehad Al Reef at Hamad Town Stadium. The match was effectively decided before half-time, as Al Ettihad surged into a four-goal lead. They added a fifth early in the second half to complete a dominant performance.

There was late drama at Al Ahli Stadium, where Al Ittifaq edged Al Busaiteen 2–1. Despite playing much of the match with ten men, Al Busaiteen took the lead after the break and looked set for victory. However, Al Ittifaq responded under pressure, equalising in the 84th minute before snatching a stoppage-time winner to stay top of the table.

With one match remaining, Al Ittifaq leads the standings with 50 points, just ahead of East Riffa with 49; both teams have already secured promotion.

Behind them, Al Ettihad sit third on 43 points, while Manama are fourth on 41. Although Manama did not play this round, results elsewhere confirmed their qualification. Both clubs will now enter the promotion/relegation playoffs, where they will face the ninth and tenth-placed Premier League sides for a final chance at top-flight football.