FOOTBALL – Joao Vitor Coutinho Maia fired in the match-winner for Al Ahli last night as they stunned table-toppers Al Khaldiya 1-0 to kick off matchweek 13 in the 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.
Maia delivered the game’s decisive strike four minutes before half-time, sending in a brilliant effort that was deflected by Khaldiya’s international defender Ahmed Bughammar.
The Brazilian’s goal proved to be enough to separate the two sides at the Late Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad.
Ahli came away with only their fourth win in 13 outings as they improved to 15 points – tied in the middle of the standings with Budaiya and Sitra.
Earlier in yesterday’s clash, Khaldiya missed a chance to go ahead from the penalty spot after Ahli’s Abdulla Alhashash brought down Moroccan professional Saif-Eddine Bouhra in the box.
DR Congo import Joel Beya Tumuteka stepped forward to take the 10th-minute attempt but he was off target, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Maia then gave Ahli the advantage with his 41st minute strike, which he took from a yard outside the area.
The ball came off the boot of Bughammar, who was trying to block the shot, and it instead flew into the net past the outstretched arm of Khaldiya custodian Ricardo Manuel da Silva.
Late in the contest, Khaldiya’s other Moroccan player, Anas Ouahim, was shown a red card in the 83rd minute, but it was rescinded by the referee and Ouahim was able to finish the match.
Khaldiya suffered their third loss of the season to go with 10 wins.
Despite the setback, they remained in solo first place with 30 points, but left the door open for defending champions Muharraq and Riffa to get back on level terms.
Muharraq are in action tonight while Riffa will be taking to the field tomorrow.
They are both three points behind Khaldiya.
In last night’s other clash, Malkiya continued their fine campaign with a late 1-0 triumph over Budaiya at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
Malkiya’s Isa Abdulwahab Albari netted the winner in the fifth and penultimate minute of second-half stoppage time with a penalty.
Malkiya were awarded their spot kick when Budaiya’s Hamad Fuad Naser was called for an elbow to the face of Malkiya’s Hasan Isa Salman as they both made an aerial challenge for possession in the area. Albari took on the responsibility and tucked the ball in to the top-left corner of goal.
Malkiya came away with their sixth win after 13 tries and they improved to 23 points in fourth place on the standings.
They handed Budaiya their sixth loss as they stayed on 15 markers.
League action continues tonight and tomorrow.
This evening, Muharraq face Al Shabab at Khalifa Sports City Stadium and Hidd take on Bahrain Club at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium.
Tomorrow, Riffa go up against Sitra at Khalifa Sports City Stadium and A’ali play Al Najma at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium.
All four matches are scheduled for 7pm kick-offs.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh