Muharraq, Riffa end season with big wins

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Muharraq and Riffa both claimed big wins last night as they wrapped up their respective campaigns in the 2022/2023 Nasser bin Hamad Bahrain Premier Football League.

Muharraq outclassed Hidd 3-1 while Riffa, last year’s title winners, routed lowly Budaiya 7-0.

The results kicked off the concluding week of action and they ensured that both teams finish in the top five on the standings.

They are also, however, already out of title contention.

In Muharraq’s triumph, Sufyan Mahrouq opened their account in the 22nd minute with a short stab from inside the sixyard box following a scramble for the ball.

Abdulwahab Al Malood then doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark with a fine left-footed effort from inside the area.

Muharraq made it 3-0 in the opening minute of first-half stoppage time with an Abdulla Al Khalasi effort that was deflected into the net off of Hidd’s Sayed Mohammed Adnan.

Thiago Augusto got a goal back for Hidd on a quick counter-attack in the 80th minute.

Muharraq end their season with 40 points following their 10th win, while Hidd finish on 27.

For Riffa, Amin Al Shanaina scored a brace.

He opened their scoring in the seventh minute and then added a second in the 29th, both from close range.

Ali Hassan made it 3-0 in the 41st minute after rounding the opposing goalkeeper and sending the ball home into an empty net.

Komail Al Aswad then scored in the 55th minute for a commanding 4-0 advantage for Riffa, before Adnan Fawaz added their fifth in the 75th.

Saud Hussain Ramadan and substitute Mauro Bravo Fernandez completed the demolition of their rivals.

Riffa finished their season with 39 points after claiming their 11th win, while Budaiya will be going down to the second division for next season.

The final week of league action continues tonight with one match on the cards between Al Shabab and Sitra.

Meanwhile, the final title-deciding clashes are still to be determined by the Bahrain Football Association.

Only current leaders Al Khaldiya and Manama are still in contention, with only a point separating the two.

Khaldiya take on Bahrain Club while Manama face off with Al Ahli in two yet-to-be-scheduled contests.

The other remaining game is between East Riffa and Al Hala, both of whom, along with Bahrain Club, are trying to stave off relegation.