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Muharraq Club has secured a historic domestic clean sweep for the second consecutive year by clinching His Majesty the King's Cup defeating arch-rivals Riffa in a tense shootout, writes MAI AL KHATIB.
After the champions had secured the Crown Prince Cup for the fourth year in a row the week before, Riffa was determined to stop Muharraq's 'winning streak'. It was an intense battle for both, ending with a 1-1 draw that resulted in extra time.
Around 30,000 anxious onlookers awaited the result which was a classic 9-8 triumph for Muharraq on penalties.
The victorious club has won the King's Cup for a record 27 times in the competition's history.
His Majesty King Hamad presented the trophy to winning captain Ali Aamer and Muharraq Club president Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa.
Muharraq coach Salman Sharida said: "The game was a huge and exciting one for us. It was filled with thrills, drama, good cheer and anxiety.
"It was an honour to reach the finals and have His Majesty King Hamad present.
"Everyone cheered us on to win and thank God we did, despite not having some of our big players such as captain of the Bahraini national team Mohammed Salmeen and Morroccan Jamal Brarou.
"It was a great achievement. I'd like to thank His Majesty the King for attending, the players for a great win and the fans for their undivided loyalty.
"I'd also like to thank God for this phenomenal end to the season bagging wins all around."
During the first 15 minutes of extra time, Riffa was reduced to 10 men when defender Ahmed Mattar received his marching orders for a late challenge on Muharraq's Mahmood Abdulrahman.
However, Muharraq were unable to take advantage of the situation resulting in the nerve-racking penalty shootout after 120 minutes of open play.
Muharraq midfielder Ahmed Jassim scored the ninth goal that put his team ahead and then Bahrain international goalkeeper Sayed Mohammed Jaffar denied Riffa midfielder Nedhal Ismael to seal victory.
Also scoring for Muharraq were Abdulrahman, Brazilian striker Leandson Dias Da Silva, Ebrahim Al Meshkhas, Aamer, Ali, Abdulla Al Dakheel and Mohammed Abdulla. Riffa's Hussain Makki was later named Player of the Match despite the loss. Winners Muharraq will receive BD50,000 prize money and Riffa will be awarded BD30,000 as runners-up.
