Riffa Lift 2026 Khalid Bin Hamad Cup After Dramatic Shootout Win

Riffa were crowned champions last night of the 2026 Khalid Bin Hamad Cup, clinching the prestigious title in dramatic fashion after defeating Muharraq Club 8-7 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The decisive clash, played before a packed crowd at the Bahrain National Stadium, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra-time, forcing the contest into a nerve-wracking shootout that required 16 spot kicks to determine the winner.

In attendance was Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and Bahrain Olympic Committee president, along with several high-ranking officials. Shaikh Khalid later presented the Khalid Bin Hamad Cup trophy to Riffa’s players, coaching staff, and club officials.

Bartkus the Hero-

Riffa’s Lithuanian goalkeeper Dziugas Bartkus emerged as the hero of the night. With the shootout tied at 7-7, Bartkus made a crucial save to deny Waleed Al Hayyam, preventing Muharraq from taking the advantage.

That stop paved the way for Dutch professional Mohamed Hamdaoui to convert the winning penalty on his dream debut for the Bahraini side, sealing Riffa’s triumph in the second edition of the tournament.

Both sides had been nearly flawless from the spot. Muharraq’s successful takers included Mohammed Al Hardan, Samy Frioui, Arther Rodrigues Rezende, Edimar Ribeiro da Costa Junior, Hassan Alkarani, Mohamed Albanna, and Gervasio Olivera Fernandez.

Riffa’s scorers prior to Hamdaoui’s decisive strike were Rodrigo Yuri Franca, Sayed Mahmoud Almosawi, Ali Haram, Ali Hassan, Wellington Moreira, Sayed Hashem Issa, and Samuel Conceicao Toscas.

Goals and VAR Drama-

Riffa struck first deep into first-half stoppage time. Bahrain national team star Madan tapped home from inside the six-yard box after Wellington Moreira battled past Abdulwahab Al Malood and Bruno Arujo Santos to deliver a cross from the left.

Muharraq responded two minutes past the hour-mark when Rezende fired in a low volley from inside the area after Riffa failed to clear a cross delivered by Soufiane Saeed Mahrouk.

The match saw its share of VAR drama. A possible penalty for Riffa following a challenge on Gabryel Monteiro de Andrade by Anderson Leite Morais was waved off after review. Later, Muharraq thought they had snatched victory in extra-time when da Costa Junior found the net off a headed pass from substitute Albanna, but the goal was ruled out following another VAR check.

With no winner after 120 pulsating minutes, the final was ultimately decided from the spot where Riffa held their nerve to lift the 2026 Khalid Bin Hamad Cup in unforgettable fashion.