Al Najma keep semis hopes alive with win

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Najma posted a tough four-set victory over Nabih Saleh last night in the Top Six round of the 2023/2024 Isa bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League. Najma fell behind after losing the opening set but rallied in the next three frames to come away with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-19) result.

The result was crucial for both sides as it drew them level on the Top Six standings with 3-5 win-loss records, along with Muharraq. All three are vying for a place in the Golden Square semi-finals.

They each have two fixtures remaining and will be going all out for wins to keep their last four bids alive. Spearheading Najma in their win last night were Swedish professional Jacob Link and top Bahraini talents Fadhel Abbas, Hassan Dhahi, Hussain Mahdi and Mahmood Hassa, among others.

For Nabih Saleh, their top performers were Sayed Hashem Isa, Mohammed Jassim and Hussain Ashoor, along with Nigerian professional Oyewale Oyedepo. Najma, Nabih Saleh and Muharraq are currently ranked behind the top two of defending champions Dar Kulaib and Al Ahli, while Al Nasser are last in the Top Six but can still rally and eke into the Golden Square.

Nasser claimed a stunning 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 17-25, 15- 13) victory over Ahli in another game this week. They were led by Ebrahim Mohammed’s 18 points, while three players had 14 apiece, including Hassan Jaafar, Mohammed Omar and Yousef Khalid.

Ali Ebrahim scored 30 for Ahli in the loss, while Sayed Mohammed Alabrar contributed 19 and Nasser Anan had 14. Nasser won for only the second time in eight tries in the Top Six while Ahli suffered their second defeat to go with six wins. The Top Six is being played in a double round-robin to determine the cast for the semis.

Action continues on Monday next week with the penultimate round of this pase. Najma take on Ahli in the early match followed by Muharraq facing Nasser. Then, on Tuesday, defending champions Dar Kulaib will play Nabih Saleh. The Top Six’s final round will then be held on January 28 and 29. On the 28th, Nasser play Najma and Muharraq take on Nabih Saleh. On the 29th, Ahli and Dar Kulaib lock horns in a game between the top two clubs so far.