FOOTBALL – RIFFA climbed to the top of the table last night after outclassing Budaiya 3-0 while Hidd and Sitra played to a goalless stalemate as the fourth week of action continued in the 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.
Riffa were on target twice in the first half before adding to their advantage after the break en route to securing their convincing win at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad.
Hidd and Sitra, on the other hand, could not capitalise on their chances in their hotly contested standoff at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
Yesterday’s two matches continued this season’s week four, which concludes today with another two fixtures on the cards. At 5pm, Al Khaldiya go up against Malkiya at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, and then at 7pm, defending champions Muharraq take to the pitch at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium against Bahrain Club.
Riffa opened their account against Budaiya in the 24th minute yesterday when French midfielder Birahima Tandia hit a stunning rocket from nearly 30 yards out that flew to the top-left corner of the net – well out of the reach of Budaiya goalkeeper Abdulla Ali Efrih.
Riffa were then given a penalty right before the half when Budaiya’s Brazilian professional Adriano Soares Filgueira handled the ball in the area off a corner kick by Riffa’s Rodrigo Yuri Pires Franca, who is also from Brazil. Following a VAR review, the spot kick was confirmed and Franca stepped forward to take it. He coolly sent his 40th-minute effort home to the right of goal.
After the interval, Riffa made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with some brilliant teamwork that led to an Ali Madan goal. Their crisp passing led to a Madan header from close range following a cross from the left by Brazilian Samuel Conceicao Toscas, which virtually sealed the contest.
With the result, Riffa claimed their second win in four outings and rose to first place on the standings with eight points, but former leaders Muharraq and Khaldiya have a game in hand. They remained undefeated while handing Budaiya a second loss, keeping them on four markers.
Meanwhile, in last night’s other game, Hidd and Sitra took a share of the points as neither side could break the deadlock.
Hidd registered their third draw to go with one win as they went to six points to go amongst the league’s top three on goal difference, while Sitra came away with their second stalemate to improve to five points in mid-table.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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