Ten-Man Muharraq Find Winning Touch

TDT | Manama

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Muharraq secured their first victory of the 2026-27 Nasser bin Hamad Premier League season with a spirited 3-1 win over Manama last night.

Brazilian Edimar Ribeiro da Costa, better known as Juninho, came off the bench to score twice at Khalifa Sports City as the defending champions showed their resolve after compatriot Bruno Santos was sent off in the 13th minute.

At Bahrain National Stadium, Al Khaldiya and Riffa played out a goalless draw in the evening’s other fixture.

Muharraq entered their match under caretaker coach Rashed Al Dosari, who stepped in following Isa Al Saadoon’s departure after two difficult opening rounds.

Their task became significantly harder when Santos caught Danilo Sipovac in the face with his hand. Referee Mohammed Ebrahim initially showed a yellow card before upgrading the punishment to a straight red following a VAR review.

Despite the setback, the Red Wolves continued to carry the greater threat and deservedly moved ahead in the 38th minute.

Malian Abdulkarim Diarra delivered a dangerous ball from the right, allowing Arthur Rezende to steer a first-time finish into the far bottom corner.

Manama, led by Bahraini coach Ismaeel Karami, drew level after the interval when Abdulla Al Khalasi was penalised for handball while challenging substitute Abdulrahman Mohamed. French striker Zachary Al Hadji converted from the spot, beating goalkeeper Vladan Dekic with a firmly struck effort.

The champions regained their advantage with just over 20 minutes remaining as Juninho guided Diarra’s free-kick into the net with a well-directed header.

Karami’s promoted side pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages. Dekic denied Al Hadji’s close-range half-volley before producing an excellent double save to preserve the lead.

Juninho completed his brace in stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. Argentine Facundo Tobares released Anderson Leite on the break, allowing the midfielder to advance and square for his compatriot, who rolled into an empty net.

The win provides a timely lift before Muharraq depart for Turkmenistan tomorrow to face FK Arkadag in their AFC Champions League Two opener on Tuesday at 4.45pm, Bahrain time.

Across town, clear openings were scarce in a match billed as an early-season showdown between two title contenders.

Al Khaldiya enjoyed the better of the first half under Croatian Goran Tomic, with Patrick Maswanganyi and Gleison Moreira posing the greatest threat to a Riffa side led by Kuwaiti coach Mohamed Mashaan.

Moreira had the best chance of the game deep into stoppage time after Dominique Mendy helped a corner into his path, but the forward sent his close-range header wide.

The results leave Al Khaldiya and Riffa unbeaten on seven points, with Muharraq moving to four and Manama remaining on one.

Matchweek three continues tonight as A’Ali face Malkiya at Khalifa Sports City and Al Najma meet promoted East Riffa at the National Stadium.

The round concludes tomorrow, when Sitra take on Hidd at Khalifa Sports City and Al Ahli play Al Ettifaq at the National Stadium. All four remaining fixtures kick off at 7pm.