FOOTBALL – AL Khaldiya lifted the 2025-26 edition of the Bahrain Super Cup last night following a hard-earned 3-0 victory over Muharraq at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
Nizar Elotmani fired in a brace with goals on either side of the break – the second on a penalty – to spearhead his side in the contest, which was played without fans in attendance. Elotmani then supplied the assist for Khaldiya’s third, scored by substitute Mubarak Khalifa late in regulation to seal the fine result.
Both teams fielded unfamiliar squads featuring predominantly their young players, with only a few of their regulars taking to the pitch. Elotmani and Sayed Mahdi Sharaf were the mainstays who laced up their boots for Khaldiya, while Abdulkarim Oumar Diarra was the lead man for Muharraq.
Following the game, Khaldiya and Muharraq were presented their respective awards in a ceremony attended by Bahrain Football Association vice-president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa, BFA board member Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, and BFA secretary general Rashed Alzaabi.
With yesterday’s outcome, Khaldiya won the Bahrain Super Cup for a remarkable fourth straight time.
The game is traditionally played ahead of the start of a new campaign, but its 2025-26 edition had to be rescheduled to accommodate the delayed 2024-25 Bahrain Super Cup, which was also played as part of the ongoing national campaign. That match, held in August of last year, saw Khaldiya secure the trophy with a resounding 5-2 victory over Al Ahli.
Khaldiya earned their spot in last night’s affair as winners of the 2024-25 His Majesty the King’s Cup, while Muharraq appeared as champions of the Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League for the same season.
In yesterday’s clash, Elotmani opened Khaldiya’s account in the 22nd minute with a stunning free-kick from several yards outside the box. His right-footed effort flew over the Muharraq wall and hit the bottom of the crossbar before going to the top-left corner of the net, with Muharraq goalkeeper Ebrahim Sanad unable to make a challenge.
Rashid Majiran then had an opportunity to level the proceedings for Muharraq, but his shot from inside the area in the 39th minute hit the side netting.
Sharaf then made contact with the crossbar with a header off a corner-kick on the stroke of half-time as Khaldiya took their slim advantage into the locker rooms.
Seven minutes after the re-start, Diarra attempted a long-range shot that was on target but was punched away by Khaldiya custodian Abdulla Thawadi.
Khaldiya were then awarded a penalty when substitute Zahui Winley was brought down in the box by Muharraq’s Mohammed Hamada in the 73rd minute. Following a lengthy VAR check, the spot kick was given, and Elotmani stepped forward to take the 79th minute shot. He coolly converted into the bottom-left corner of goal.
Elotmani threatened to complete a hat-trick the very next minute as he hit a curling effort from outside the area that went just inches wide of the right post. Diarra then came close in the 84th minute but his attempt from the right wing came off the crossbar.
Khalifa applied the nail in the coffin for Khaldiya when he broke through from close range in the 89th minute, brilliantly set up by Elotmani.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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