FOOTBALL – MUHARRAQ were crowned champions of the 2024-25 Nasser Bin Hamad Bahrain Premier League last night.
The trophy was presented to the champions by His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Present on the occasion was SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated Muharraq on winning the title, praising the determination and dedication of the team members as well as the technical and administrative staff throughout the season.
He also praised the technical skills and fair play displayed by all the teams in the league.
Shaikh Nasser also commended the Bahrain Football Association, headed by Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and all the working committees, for the distinguished organisational efforts that contributed to the success of the tournament.
In a 22nd-round match earlier in the evening, Muharraq defeated A’ali 2-0.
After a goalless first half, Elliot Simoes put Muharraq ahead in the 52nd minute and Mohamed Yusuf converted a penalty in the final moments of the match as the champions added three more points to their tally. They have collected 51 points, nine clear of second-placed Al Khaldiya, who play their 22nd-round match tonight.
In another match last night, Riffa secured a 4-3 victory over Bahrain Club after trailing 1-2 at half-time.
Bahrain Club’s Denilson scored the opening goal of the match in the third minute, but Riffa found the equaliser through Vinicius Vargas in the 17th minute. However, Sultan Alsalatna struck in the additional time of the first half as Bahrain Club led 2-1 at half-time.
Riffa’s efforts to find the equaliser were rewarded 12 minutes after the interval when Wellington Machado found the back of the net to draw level at 2-2. Riffa soon snatched the lead as Samy Frioui scored the first of his two goals of the match in the 60th minute. Frioui extended the lead in the 87th minute before Joel Anjos reduced the margin for Bahrain Club in additional time.
Riffa are third in the standings with 38 points while Bahrain Club occupy the 10 position with 23 points.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab defeated East Riffa 2-0 in the third match of the night.
Firmino put Shabab ahead in the 71st minute and Faisal Abudahoom extended the lead in the 84th minute.
Fifth-placed Shabab have 30 points while East Riffa, in the 11 position, are on 20.
Al Ahli face Malkiya and Sitra take on Al Khaldiya tonight, marking the conclusion of the 22nd round. Both the matches are scheduled to kick off at 7pm.
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