FOOTBALL – DEFENDING champions Muharraq eked out a hard-earned 1-0 victory over a battling Hidd last night to kick off matchweek 18 in the 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.
Samy Frioui scored the game-winner seven minutes after the hour-mark to help Muharraq come away with the all-important three points at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
The result put them back in solo first place on the league table with only four fixtures remaining this season. They leapfrogged Al Khaldiya to first place and hold a one-point advantage over their chief title rivals, who have a game in hand.
Also as part of day one in round 18 yesterday, Budaiya came away with a narrow 2-1 triumph over 10-man Al Najma at Al Ahli Club Stadium in Mahooz.
Naser Mohamed Jasim converted a decisive 89th-minute penalty after goals from French teammate Kablan Davy N’goma brought the game back on level terms following an opener by Najma’s Mohamed Abdulqayoom.
Budaiya’s win was crucial to their campaign as they fight to stay away from having to compete in the end-of-season relegation play-offs.
Both of last night’s matches marked the highly anticipated return of fans to the playing venues in the kingdom’s ongoing football competitions. Spectators were previously barred from attending due to the recent unfortunate events that have been taking place in the region.
In Muharraq’s victory, Frioui scored in the 34th minute off a cross from Portuguese teammate Bruno Araujo Santos, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside infraction. Muharraq had a number of other opportunities to open their account in the first half but could not find the finishing touches.
After the interval, they finally went ahead in the 67th minute when Frioui netted with a short stab from the face of goal. The assist was provided by Soufiane Saeed Mahrouk, who received a brilliant lobbed pass from Edimar Ribeiro da Costa Junior from midfield. Mahrouk then set Frioui up with a low cross from the left, and Frioui tapped the ball in with a single touch.
In the 78th minute, Hidd’s Ahmed Habib Marhoon tried to drive in a shot from long range, but his effort, which was on target, was collected by Muharraq’s Serbian custodian Vladan Dekic.
Da Costa Junior then had a chance to put the game away on a one-on-one with Hidd goalkeeper Mohammed Elgharably four minutes from full time, but he misfired.
With the result, Muharraq went to 43 points with their 13th win in 18 outings. They handed Hidd their sixth defeat, and they stayed on 24 points in mid-table.
Meanwhile, in yesterday’s other encounter, Najma went ahead after 35 minutes when Abdulqayoom sent in a short volley off a set piece delivered by teammate Ebrahim Ali Shareeda. Shareeda curled in his free-kick and Abdulqayoom took advantage of Budaiya’s porous defence to guide the ball into the net.
Budaiya equalised two minutes from the break when N’goma scored from close range off a fine through-pass by Nigerian Clement Ogbobe. N’goma was released for a one-on-one with Najma goalkeeper Ammar Mohamed, who he beat with a low effort to draw level.
Budaiya were then awarded a penalty late in regulation, but N’goma hit a weak 88th minute attempt and Mohamed calmly collected. Budaiya were however given another attempt after it was determined that Mohamed had come off his line prior to N’goma’s kick. Jasim this time stepped forward and made no mistake with his shot, sending the ball into the top-left corner of the net.
Budaiya goalkeeper Abdulla Ali Efrih made a crucial save in the 94th minute on a shot by French import Zachary Marvin Hadji, helping his team preserve their slim lead.
Budaiya improved to 21 points with only their sixth win of the campaign, while Najma stayed on 19 after their ninth defeat and are in danger of needing to appear in the relegation play-offs.
The 18th round of league action continues tonight and tomorrow. This evening, Ahli lock horns with Bahrain Club at the National Stadium in Riffa at 5.25pm, followed by title contenders Riffa battling A’ali at Khalifa Sports City Stadium at 7.35pm.
Tomorrow, Malkiya go head-to-head with Al Shabab at the National Stadium at 5.25pm. After that contest, Khaldiya go up against Sitra at Khalifa Sports City Stadium at 7.35pm.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh