Muharraq take on Al Ahli for King’s Cup glory at a packed Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa tomorrow evening.
The King’s Cup is the kingdom’s premier knockout tournament in men’s football, founded in 1952. The 72nd edition of the contest will kick off at 6.30pm.
The two contesting teams have faced each other five times before in the final – 1979, 1990, 1993, 2002, and 2003 – with the eagles of Al Ahli only landing the trophy once, the last time they met after the Wolves of Muharraq bit off more than they could chew.
Muharraq, led by coach Mohamed Al Shamlan, narrowly defeated Bahrain Premier League champions Al Khaldiya 1-0, with a 61st minute goal from Tunisian forward Firas Chaouat in the semi-final to make it to tomorrow’s showpiece affair.
“We had a difficult path to the final, but now that we are here, we have to win,” said Al Shamlan. “The Muharraq fans expect a certain style of football, they expect excellence and, most importantly, they expect trophies.
“The players are ready and want to win the King’s Cup, not just for themselves, but to also bring joy to the fans and to the people of Muharraq.
“Al Ahli are a very difficult opposition, but if we play well, I am confident of etching our name in history once again.”
Muharraq are the undisputed kings of the tournament, having won it a record 19 times since their first triumph in 1978. Their last win came in 2020, when they defeated neighbours Hidd in the final.
They will be depending on the experience of veteran goalkeeper Sayed Jaffar and Bahrain national team stars Waleed Al Hayam, Abdulwahab Al Malood and Rashed Al Hooti.
As for Al Ahli, led by Portuguese tactician Fernando Santos, they stormed their way into the final after dispatching fierce rivals Manama 3-1 with goals from Abbas Al Asfoor, Hassan Madan and Sayed Mahdi.
They have taken home the trophy five times since their initial victory in 1982, and are looking to end an agonising 21-year wait, having last won it in 2003. “It has been way too long since the last victory,” Santos said. “We had a difficult road but now we are on the final step.
Al Asfoor celebrates as Al Ahli storm into the final
“Last time we won the trophy it was at Muharraq’s expense and I am confident we can do it again.
“I have no doubt that the boys will play their hearts out, because they are driven by the desire to win. Our fans are the soul of the club and we want to bring home the trophy for them.”
Al Ahli will be relying on the safe hands of a goalkeeper too. Ebrahim Lutfalla, who recently became Bahrain’s latest Number One during the Asian Cup Finals, has been playing with confidence, as well as the likes of captain Abbas Ayad, Al Asfoor and Madan.
The GDN reported yesterday that fans wishing to attend the final on Saturday night can do so for free. There will also be a VVIP area reserved for special guests, as well as VIP tickets sold for BD5.
As well as glory, this year’s winners will walk away with a BD100,000 bonus, with a BD50,000 consolation prize for the runners-up.
nader@gdnmedia.bh