FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN kicks off its newest national football competition this evening, featuring a grand prize of BD50,000 to the winning team.
The inaugural edition of the Khalid Bin Hamad Cup is set to feature exciting action between the top four teams from the 2023-24 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier League – including reigning back-to-back champions Al Khaldiya, last year’s runners-up Riffa, third-placers Muharraq, and fourth-ranked Al Ahli.
This prestigious tournament is being held for the first time under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
In the opening game this evening, Riffa take on Al Ahli at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town. Then, tomorrow, Khaldiya face off with Muharraq at the same venue.
Both single-elimination matches are scheduled for 7pm kick-offs, and the winners will move on to face one another in the final, slated for January 28 at a to-be-determined venue.
In the case of a tie at the end of 90 minutes in any of the games, the matches will go into extra-time and, if needed, a penalty shootout.
Heading into tonight’s contest, both Riffa and Ahli are looking forward to battling for the newest prize in the national game.
“We at Riffa Club have a mentality to always play for victories and we hope to get into the final,” said Riffa’s Spanish head coach Carlos Inarejos Hernandez.
Star international defender Hamad Shamsan, who was a key member of the kingdom’s national team that recently won the 26th Gulf Cup title, added: “We expect the competition to be exciting for the fans who are awaiting strong matches.
“The timing of the tournament is very special, as it helps raise the players’ level and enhances our readiness for upcoming events.”
Riffa will be playing without star midfielder Ali Madan, who was also a big part of Bahrain’s Gulf Cup-winning side. Madan has completed a transfer to his former club Ajman in the UAE as a professional player.
“We wish Ali all the best,” said Hernandez. “The Bahraini league has proven its quality and continuous development. We are fully confident that we have the ideal elements that can fill the gap and strengthen our team.”
Meanwhile, Portuguese head coach Paulo Lopes said that Ahli will go all out to claim the coveted trophy.
“We have a special opportunity ahead of us and we will do our best to win this new cup and make our loyal Ahli fans happy,” said Lopes. “I am proud to lead Al Ahli and we are working hard to attain more progress and achievements locally.”
Influential midfielder Jamal Rashid added: “We are preparing with all our strength to compete in this cup, and we hope to play at our best level.”
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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