FOOTBALL – AL Khaldiya returned to the top of the table in the 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League last night with a resounding 3-0 victory over A’ali at the National Stadium in Riffa.
Ahmed Bughammar and Moroccans Anas Ouahim and Ayoub El Amloud were all on target for the winners.
Bughammar headed in in the 16th minute off a cross from Moroccan teammate Saif-Eddine Bouhra. Ouahim then doubled their advantage in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, slotting in from close range after A’ali failed to clear a Badar Bashir pass into the box.
After the re-start, A’ali had a chance to cut into the deficit when they were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute, but the attempt of English professional Layton Julius Ndukwu was brilliantly saved by Khaldiya custodian Ricardo Manuel da Silva.
Khaldiya then applied the nail in the coffin with a 71st minute strike from El Amloud, who fired in off a rebound after a shot by newly signed Sayed Mahdi Sharaf was stopped by A’ali goalkeeper Omar Salem.
With the result, Khaldiya claimed their league-best 10th win as they rose to 30 points, reclaiming first place after briefly giving it up to Riffa. They handed A’ali their fifth loss of the season and they stayed on 13 markers.
In last night’s other match at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad, Malkiya and Hidd played to a goalless stalemate.
Malkiya went to 20 points to maintain their hold of fourth place on the 12-team standings, while Hidd improved to 14 points in the league’s top half.
Matchweek 12 concludes tonight with two more fixtures on schedule. Defending champions Muharraq face Al Ahli in an exciting clash at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, while Sitra and Bahrain Club lock horns at the Late Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa Stadium. Both games are set for 7pm kick-offs.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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