Khaldiya punch tickets to King’s Cup final

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Khalidya barged into the final of His Majesty the King’s Cup football tournament following a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Al Najma last night at the National Stadium in Riffa.

On target for the victors on either side of halt-time were Mohammed Hardan and Al Moandhar Rabia Alalawi. Hardan scored from the penalty spot while Alalawi supplied Khaldiya’s second goal, which ensured their place in the title match.

Khaldiya now await the winner of the other semi-final fixture between holders Riffa and neighbours East Riffa. That game is scheduled for tonight at the same venue, with a 6pm kick-off.

Khaldiya now have a chance to compete for their first-ever King’s Cup title and maiden silverware since joining Bahrain’s top level in football. They took the lead in just the third minute of last night’s encounter with a penalty converted by Hardan.

The spot kick was given after Mahdi Humaidan was taken down in the penalty box by the Najma goalkeeper. Hardan stepped up to take the shot and he made no mistake with his effort, which he coolly sent to the bottom-left corner of goal.

Ayman Abdulameer should have levelled the proceedings for Najma in the 10th minute, but he could not take advantage of his golden opportunity from the face of goal. Khaldiya were able to take the 1-0 advantage into the interval.

Then, late in the second half, they put the match away when they went ahead 2-0 in the 82nd minute. Alalawi scored from close range following a fine assist from substitute Yunes Moosa through the porous Najma defence. Alalawi needed to just tap the ball home with his second touch, sealing the result for Khaldiya.