23-04-2025
Cometh the King's Cup, Cometh Humaidan
A Night to Remember
Khaldiya found themselves two goals down in the first half and reduced to ten men, but they would not give up, mounting an incredible comeback to clinch the win. Sitra, making their first-ever appearance in the final, stunned their opponents early. Brazilian Maicon Goulart converted a 27th-minute penalty after Khaldiya's Serbian defender Filip Ivanovic was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Just minutes later, Yaya Al Hadj Ousman doubled Sitra's lead with a slick assist from Abdulwasea Almatari.
But Khaldiya refused to fold.
'We turned the result from 2-0 to 3-2,' Humaidan said. 'It's a nice feeling to achieve the win after hard work and a difficult scenario. This is a special game in my career — it has its importance and special value.'
Serbian Jovan Marinkovic pulled one back just before the break, guiding home a rebound from Gleison Wilson. Then came Humaidan's crucial equalizer — a perfectly timed leap to meet Dhurgham Ismail's Abdullatif cross. The winning goal arrived in the 77th minute, with Mahdi Abduljabbar capitalizing on yet another assist from Ismail Abdullatif.
Halftime Leadership
Before the second-half fightback, an important moment occurred in the dressing room. Footage released by Khaldiya revealed Humaidan's words of motivation as he urged his teammates to remain focused and relaxed despite the tough circumstances.
'We only need one goal,' Humaidan told them. 'We have to stay calm, we need to believe in ourselves. It's not over yet.' Spoken like a true leader, Humaidan's words evidently played a significant role in steering Khaldiya through the adversity.
Royal Presence, Royal Motivation
Adding to the occasion was the presence of His Majesty King Hamad's representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. Their attendance and words after the match left a mark on the players.
'Of course, the presence of Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid is a very nice occasion,' Humaidan said. 'Especially when you win and listen to their words. It motivates me and all the players.'
Khaldiya chairman Mahmood Janahi received the trophy on behalf of the club — now King's Cup winners for the second time in history, having first lifted it in the 2021–22 season.
Eyes on the League Title
While the celebrations were heartfelt, Humaidan was already thinking ahead.
'InshAllah, we will finish the season with all the championships,' he said. 'We still have a month to prepare for the Nasser bin Hamad League.'
For Khaldiya, last weekend's win was a trophy. For Humaidan, it was legacy.
