East Riffa Survive Dramatic Najma Fightback

TDT | Manama

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Promoted East Riffa survived a frantic stoppage-time finish to defeat Al Najma 3-2 and secure their first victory of the 2026-27 Nasser bin Hamad Premier League season last night.

Carlos Alberto missed a late penalty that would have completed a remarkable comeback at Bahrain National Stadium, where Tunisian coach Fathi Labidi’s side twice reduced a two-goal deficit.

Elsewhere, Robson da Silva helped A’Ali open their account with a 1-0 success over Al Malkiya.

East Riffa struck first after 10 minutes when Labidi’s men failed to clear the ball during a scramble inside their penalty area. The loose ball eventually fell to captain Talal Al Sherooqi, who guided a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

Bahraini coach Hesham Al Mahoozi’s men doubled their advantage in the 34th minute. Sayed Ahmed Hashim slipped a pass between two defenders from the right, allowing Brazilian Gabriel Silva to find the near corner with a composed low strike.

Alberto pulled one back just two minutes later. Ali Al Doseri supplied an excellent delivery from the right and the Brazilian met it with a diving header that bounced off the turf and into the net.

Defender Ahmed Muslim restored the two-goal cushion in the 71st minute. A cross into the area was only partially cleared and, after battling through a crowd of players, he volleyed the loose ball into the roof of the net.

The contest took another turn during stoppage time as Hassan Madan beat his marker on the left and crossed for Rickson Barbosa Sa da Conceicao, who headed home to make it 3-2.

Madan was then caught by Abdulhalim Abou during an attempted clearance in the closing moments. The referee initially booked the winger for simulation, but reversed his decision following a VAR review and awarded a penalty.

Alberto stepped forward with the chance to rescue a point, only to send his effort over the crossbar as East Riffa held on.

The victory lifts the newcomers to four points following their opening defeat to Hidd and goalless draw with Sitra. Najma, who retained their top-flight place through the play-offs last season, remain on three after beginning the campaign with a heavy loss to Al Khaldiya and a narrow win over Malkiya.

At Khalifa Sports City Stadium, Da Silva settled a tighter contest with the only goal in the 22nd minute.

A slick exchange of passes carried A’Ali into the final third before the Brazilian drove just inside the penalty area and struck towards the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Al Sayed Ali Mohammed got his fingertips to the ball but could not keep it out.

Al Malkiya thought they had equalised in the 50th minute when Nigerian forward Ossy Martins produced a stunning strike from distance into the top corner. The effort was ruled out, however, after VAR showed that he had caught his marker in the face while turning to create room for the shot.

The result moves Brazilian coach Vinicius Eutropio’s team on to four points, while Malkiya remain without a point or goal after three matches under Portuguese coach Alvaro Rodrigues.

Matchweek three concludes tonight, with Sitra facing Hidd at Khalifa Sports City and Al Ahli meeting Al Ettifaq at Bahrain National Stadium. Both matches kick off at 7pm.