Latest news with #AlAhli
Daily Tribune
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Basketball Establishes Legacy, Muharraq Takes Top Prize
TDT | Manama When it came down to the wire, Muharraq showed why they're a force to be reckoned with. The five-game thriller against Al Ahli didn't feature flashy stat lines or overwhelming dominance, but instead, showed patience, resilience, and championship poise. Winning 3–2, Muharraq proved steady under pressure, delivering when it mattered most. The fifth and decisive game was played in front of a packed Khalifa Sports City Hall on Saturday night, with thousands of fans turning the arena into a cauldron of noise. The occasion, from the play on court to the presentation ceremony, was as much a celebration of the game as it was of the winners. Final Fitting of the Rivalry There were no blowouts, no easy quarters. Just two of Bahrain's top sides going at it with poise and pride. The series, tied 2–2 going into Saturday, had already proven its worth — momentum swings, tight finishes, and standout moments across all four previous games. Muharraq leaned on their defensive structure and bench depth, weathering Al Ahli's perimeter shooting and transition offense. The final game saw both teams lock in early, but it was Muharraq's ability to stay composed in the clutch, especially in the final quarter, that tilted the outcome. From Ceremony to Legacy The evening's climax came with the trophy presentation, where His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, awarded Muharraq players with gold medals, while Al Ahli received their silvers. In his remarks, Shaikh Isa praised both teams for delivering a high-calibre series that showed the growth of Bahraini basketball. 'Such finals highlight the level our basketball has reached, in play and in passion,' said Shaikh Isa. 'The energy in the stands and the competitiveness on the court are a sign that the sport here is thriving.' Also in attendance were Alaa Modara, President of the Bahrain Basketball Association, and Ammar Al Kutbi, Acting CEO of Zain Bahrain, whose sponsorship continues to elevate the league's profile. More Than a Game This title win adds another chapter to Muharraq's rich history, but the broader win is for the game itself. The five-match saga reaffirmed the league's credibility as a platform for high-level, locally nurtured basketball. The turnout, the noise, the tension all confirmed one thing: Bahrain's basketball culture is no longer just emerging, it's established. With the national league growing in reach and the Olympic Committee's ongoing support, Bahraini basketball looks set to continue its upward trajectory. The season may be over, but the message is clear — this is a league worth watching.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ivan Toney's England recall set to propel his status to Saudi Arabia poster boy
England boss Thomas Tuchel gave Ivan Toney a call-up despite joining Saudi side Al Ahli and his decision has given the Middle East league a huge PR lift amid claims players only join them for the money Ivan Toney is set to become a poster boy for the Saudi Pro League. Toney's shock return to the England squad for next week's World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona and the friendly with Senegal at the City Ground is seen as a landmark moment for the Saudi dream of one day eclipsing the Premier League as the biggest domestic football competition in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo remains the star attraction in the desert - and could now be joined by his Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes. But Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring Toney back into the Three Lions pack has given the Arab nation a massive PR lift as they look to clear themselves of the accusation that any player moving to Saudi is motivated by money. It was thought that the 29-year-old striker had sacrificed his international career when he decided to cash in on a three-year contract with Al-Ahli worth a staggering £63million when he left Brentford in a £40million deal last summer. Jordan Henderson was ruthlessly axed from Gareth Southgate 's plans after chasing riches in the desert with Al-Ettifaq - and even a return to Europe with Ajax after just six months later did not prevent the midfielder from missing the cut for last summer's Euros. New Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has no such concerns. The German recalled Henderson to his first squad - and now Toney is back in the fold after a productive first season in Saudi. Tuchel's first squad, named for the opening qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, included Dan Burn, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Solanke as well as Henderson. Ollie Watkins has now been added alongside Toney as the England boss looks for alternatives for skipper Harry Kane. Toney scored 28 goals in 42 games in all competitions as Al-Ahli lifted the Asian Champions League and was on target 23 times in 30 league games. He is being touted for a possible return to the Prem, but that now appears unlikely following his return to the England set-up. Toney won the last of his six caps when he came on as a substitute against Spain in the Euro 2024 final - and he will now be looking to add to his solitary international goal after being given the nod by Tuchel. Al-Ahli now want Fernandes to join Toney at the club. Landing the Manchester United captain when manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Fernandes is key to his Old Trafford plans would represent another piece of astute business - even if it comes at the cost of a £100million transfer fee and wages of £650,000-a-week.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
No Taming the Wolves
Muharraq beat Al Ahli 80-76 in Game 5 to win the Zain Bahrain Basketball League title A Finale for the Ages Muharraq are champions of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League after a 80-76 win over Al Ahli in Game 5 at Khalifa Sports City Arena on Saturday. In a finale that lived up to the billing of this storied rivalry, Muharraq's poise saw them overcome a threatening Al Ahli comeback to clinch the title in front of a deafening crowd. The win capped a rollercoaster series, with Game 5 only necessary after Muharraq's comfortable 68-57 win in Game 4 forced the decider. Muharraq's early dominance in the final game was tested by Al Ahli's relentless third-quarter surge. But in the clutch moments, Muharraq's stars stood tall, delivering a victory that will echo through Bahrain's basketball support. Game 4 Sets the Stage The road to Game 5 was paved with Muharraq's heroics in Game 4, where they steamrolled Al Ahli 68-57 to keep their title hopes alive. They set the tone early, racing to an 18-7 lead in the first quarter with suffocating defence and sharp offence. Mohammed Nasser led the way with 20 points, filling the void left by Mohammed Ameer's absence, while Sir Dominic (19 points) and Keron (12 points) kept the pressure on. 'We stayed relaxed and stuck to the plan,' Muharraq's Mahmood Abbas said post-game. 'Focus and defence were our pillars.' Al Ahli, despite 19 points each from Sutton and Rice, couldn't recover from early mistakes, setting up the do-or-die match. Tale of Two Halves Game 5 was a classic from the jump. Muharraq stormed out of the gates, building a 19-7 lead after the first quarter with aggressive defence that rattled Al Ahli's shooters. By halftime, they were up 41-28, with slick ball movement and smart shot selection keeping them in control. But Al Ahli, refusing to go quietly, flipped the script in the third, outscoring Muharraq 30-15 in a blistering run that tied the game. The arena was electric, fans on edge as momentum swung wildly. The fourth quarter was where champions are made. Muharraq regrouped, leaning on their veterans to steady the ship. They edged Al Ahli 24-18 in the final frame, with clutch baskets and stout defence sealing the 80-76 win. Hassan Yasine sealed the win with a free throw as the final action of the match. The stat sheet told the story: balanced scoring and a knack for big stops when it mattered most. Rivalry Delivers Muharraq's success was a team effort, but their key players rose to the occasion. The absence of Ameer didn't faze them, with Nasser and Sir Dominic again proving their worth in the clutch. Al Ahli fought well, their third-quarter explosion a reminder of their quality, but missed opportunities and Muharraq's defensive resolve proved decisive. 'They wanted it more in Game 4, and they showed it again tonight,' Al Ahli's Ali Shukrallah admitted after the loss. 'We'll regroup and come back stronger.' This series, with its twists and turns—Muharraq's 101-87 rout in Game 1, Al Ahli's gritty 77-72 and 86-83 wins in Games 2 and 3, and Muharraq's Game 4 revival—delivered drama at every turn. Game 5 was the perfect crescendo, a testament to both teams' heart and Bahrain's thriving basketball scene. A Title for the Fans As the final buzzer sounded, Khalifa Sports City Arena erupted, Muharraq's faithful celebrating a hard-fought championship. This victory, their first League title since 2018, cements their status as Bahrain's basketball standard-bearers. For Al Ahli, it's a bitter pill, but their resilience throughout the series bodes well for future battles. With the curtain falling on the 2024/2025 season, Muharraq's clutch performance in Game 5 will be remembered as the moment they turned the tide and claimed their crown. Q1: 19–7 Muharraq Q2: 22–21 Muharraq Q3: 15–30 Al Ahli
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ahli launches rebranding initiative, invites fans to vote on new club logo
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Al Ahli Club has launched a strategic rebranding project aimed at revamping its institutional and visual identity, aligning with a broader transformation plan that reflects the club's ambitions to lead locally and across the Asian continent. The initiative, which began in November 2024, comes in response to Commercial Registration Decision No. 3587 issued by the Ministry of Commerce, prohibiting the use of state symbols — including the crossed swords and palm emblem — in commercial activities, such as football club logos. Al Ahli's parent company confirmed that the development of the new logo was undertaken in collaboration with top-tier local and international branding firms. A series of workshops and focus group meetings, including participation from club supporters, helped shape a refreshed visual identity that honors the club's heritage while looking to the future. After a comprehensive study of historical elements central to the club's identity, five final logo designs were shortlisted. These options were developed using a structured academic methodology that included in-depth historical and artistic analysis. The club clarified that the logo currently in use is only a temporary design for media purposes and does not meet commercial registry standards. The official logo is expected to be unveiled before the start of the new football season. Recognizing that identity is more than just a logo, the club emphasized its role as a symbol of a passionate and storied fanbase. In a first-of-its-kind initiative among Saudi sports clubs, Al Ahli has opened a fan voting process to select the final design. Supporters can cast their votes via the club's official website. The club framed the initiative as a pioneering move in fan engagement, giving its loyal supporters a direct role in shaping the next chapter of Al Ahli's identity.
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Muharraq Fight Back, Force Decisive Game 5
TDT | Manama Muharraq kept their championship hopes alive with a 68-57 win over Al Ahli in Game 4 of the Zain Bahrain Basketball League finals at Khalifa Sports City Arena. The result ties the best-of-five series at 2-2 and sets up a winner-takesall Game 5 on Saturday. A Blistering Start From the opening tip, Muharraq set the tone, storming to an 18-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their aggressive defence stifled Al Ahli's attack, while sharp ball movement kept the scoreboard ticking. By halftime, they held a 35-28 advantage and pushed the gap to 55-41 after a dominant third period. The final score reflected their control, as Al Ahli struggled to gain momentum against sustained pressure. Electric Atmosphere Khalifa Sports City Arena was a cauldron of noise, with fans from both sides in full voice, trading chants to unsettle the opposition. The benches matched the crowd's energy, with coaches animatedly directing their teams through every possession. Bahraini sports officials, present in force, added to the sense of occasion, as the arena pulsed with anticipation for a match that could have crowned a champion. With the series tied, the title will come down to a decisive Game 5. Both sides will need to stay focused and disciplined to claim the crown. The Zain Bahrain Basketball League final concludes with a blockbuster finale on 31 May at Khalifa Sports City Arena. Muharraq's defence and depth give them momentum, but Al Ahli's bounce-back ability leaves everything to play for.
