Malkiya Defies the Odds with Stunning Comeback Against Al-Khaldiya, While Al-Najma Continues Revival
TDT | Manama
Malkiya pulled off an unexpected comeback to defeat Al-Khaldiya 2-1, overturning an early deficit in a great match on Tuesday at Khalifa Sports City Stadium. The clash, part of the 18th round of the second phase of the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League, saw Malkiya boost their points tally to 24, while Al-Khaldiya's loss left them stuck on 33 points, effectively dashing their hopes of challenging for the title, which now seems destined for Muharraq.
Al-Khaldiya took the lead in first-half stoppage time through Mahdi Abduljabbar, but the tide turned in the second half despite Malkiya playing with 10 men after a first-half red card. Malkiya fought back with grit, equalizing through Issa Al-Bari in the 79th minute.
Then, with just three minutes remaining, a penalty was awarded to Malkiya, which Khalil Al-Tamrani calmly converted past goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Gharbli, sealing the win and sparking wild celebrations among the Malkiya faithful, while Al-Khaldiya were left to rue a painful defeat.
Elsewhere, at Bahrain National Stadium, Al-Najma continued their resurgence under coach Mohammed Al-Shamlan, securing a second consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain SC. The goals came in the first half, with Omar Saber opening the scoring in the 7th minute and Mohammed Al-Marmour adding a penalty in the 43rd. Al-Najma's win takes them to 25 points, while Bahrain SC remain on 20.
Meanwhile, at Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium, Sitra and Al-Shabab played out a 1-1 draw. Al-Shabab struck early through Firmino in the 2nd minute, but Sitra responded in the second half with a fine strike from Singalo to level the score. Al-Shabab now have 22 points, while Sitra sit on 28.
Muharraq Set for Title-Deciding Clash Today
The excitement continues as the 18th round concludes with three matches at 7:00 PM on Wednesday. The headline fixture sees Muharraq take on Manama at Sheikh Ali bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium, a match that could see Muharraq clinch the title with three rounds to spare.
Sitting on 44 points, a win would secure the championship for Muharraq, while Manama, languishing at the bottom with 11 points, are desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone. In other matches, rivals East Riffa and Al-Riffa face off at Khalifa Sports City Stadium, and A'ali take on Al-Ahli at Bahrain National Stadium.
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