Muharraq, Khaldiya await Asian draw

Bahrain clubs Muharraq and Al Khaldiya will learn their opponents in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 when the draw takes place today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The draw is scheduled for 2pm at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, with the two clubs set to carry the kingdom’s challenge in Asia’s second-tier continental competition.

Reigning Nasser bin Hamad Premier League champions Muharraq qualified after retaining the domestic title last season, while runners-up Al Khaldiya will also compete in the tournament.

Muharraq have been placed in Pot Three for the draw, with Al Khaldiya in Pot Four.

Both clubs will head into the new campaign under new management. Croatian coach Goran Tomić has succeeded Tunisian tactician Lassaad Chabbi at Al Khaldiya, while Bahraini coach Isa Al Saadoun has replaced Portuguese manager Fernando Manuel de Jesus Santos at Muharraq.

The two sides have also spent part of their pre-season preparations in Turkey, playing a series of friendlies ahead of their domestic and continental commitments.

Muharraq began their friendly programme with a 2-1 defeat to UAE side Fujairah before suffering successive 1-0 losses to Egypt’s ZED FC and Algerian outfit ES Sétif.

They concluded their Turkey camp with a 1-1 draw against Qatar’s Muaither Sports Club.

The Red Wolves also suffered an injury setback during their preparations, with Elliot Simões picking up a knock in pre-season.

Al Khaldiya, meanwhile, opened their friendly programme with a 1-1 draw against Fujairah before losing 2-1 to Kuwait’s Kazma.

Tomić’s side then played out a 2-2 draw with another Kuwaiti club, Al Salmiya, before taking on Qadsia in their final friendly yesterday.

Both clubs will be hoping for improved continental campaigns after failing to progress beyond the group stage last season.

Al Khaldiya finished third in Group B with six points from one win, three draws and two defeats, while Muharraq also placed third in their group, collecting seven points from two victories, one draw and three losses.

Muharraq nevertheless boast a proud record in Asian competition, having twice lifted the continental trophy, in 2008 and 2021.

The group stage of this season’s AFC Champions League Two is scheduled to run from September 15 to December 9.

The competition will resume with the round of 16 from February 9 to 18 next year, followed by the quarter-finals from March 2 to 18 and the semi-finals from April 6 to 14.

The final is scheduled for May 15, 2027.