FOOTBALL – AL Khaldiya outclassed relegation-threatened Bahrain Club 4-1 last night to retake solo first place on the table in the 2025-26 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.
Three players were on target for Khaldiya in their matchweek 16 clash at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town. They were spearheaded by DR Congo professional Joel Beya Tumuteka, who registered a brace. Tunisian Adem Taous and skipper Dominique Mendy were the others to score, while Brazilian Mateus Eduardo Inforsatti netted the lone consolation for Bahrain Club.
Meanwhile, Al Najma battled past Hidd 1-0 in yesterday’s other fixture played at the National Stadium in Riffa. Frenchman Zachary Marin Hadji delivered the winning strike to separate the two sides.
Both of yesterday’s games were briefly halted – as per the guidelines issued by the Bahrain Football Association – when an alarm siren went off. Play resumed when it was determined by the match referee and commissioner that it was safe to return to the pitch.
In Khaldiya’s win, Nizar Elotmani forced Bahrain Club custodian Sayed Mohsen Yusuf to a fine save in the seventh minute with a shot from distance that was on target, but then Tumuteka scored following the ensuing corner kick, heading in to put Khaldiya on the board.
An initial header by Moroccan Ayman Dairani hit the crossbar and then a Mohammed Adel attempt off the rebound was blocked. But Tumuteka made no mistake with his headed effort which came right after.
Bahrain Club drew level just five minutes later when Inforsatti scored from close range after Khaldiya’s back line failed to deal with a ball sent into the area by Gabriel da Silva Oliveira.
Khaldiya then went back ahead in the 34th minute when Taous scored with a stunning piledriver from nearly 30 yards out. His left-footed shot gave no chance for Yusuf as it flew into the left of goal.
After the break, Khaldiya added their third on the hour mark when Mendy headed in off a corner kick sent in by Moroccan Anas Ouahim.
Tumuteka then applied the nail in the coffin in the 82nd minute, firing in from close range after some brilliant set-up work from Ouahim, who made a short cross from the right for the assist.
With the result, Khaldiya claimed their league-best 13th victory as they improved to 39 points to leapfrog Muharraq to first place on the standings. They added to Bahrain Club’s woes as they suffered their 13th defeat and stayed in last place on just seven points.
Meanwhile, in Najma’s win, Hadji scored off a rebound in the 79th minute after Hidd goalkeeper Mohammed Elgharably made an impressive stop on a shot by Mohamed Abdulqayoom. Hadji was in the right place at the right time as the ball went directly to him, and he slotted home.
Najma claimed their all-important three points as they went to 18, tied with three others, namely Al Ahli, Budaiya, and Sitra. Hidd fell for the seventh time but stayed fifth on the table with 21 points.
Matchweek 16 concludes tonight with two matches on schedule. Malkiya and A’ali go head-to-head at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, while Al Ahli take on Al Shabab at the National Stadium. Both games are scheduled for simultaneous 9.30pm kick-offs.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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