Al Najma

MANAMA: Al Najma fought back from a goal down to beat East Rifa in the 19th round of Bahrain League here on Thursday.

 

Senad Kreso’s side, who will be aiming for victory over defending champions Shabab Al Ordun in their last group game of the AFC Cup on Wednesday, fell behind to a 33rd minute strike by Tunisian midfielder Sami Al Hadi.

 

Mohammed Nooruddin restored the parity for Al Najma in the 37th minute when the 24-year-old midfielder headed home a Hussain Al Saudi freekick.

 
Hamad Faisal capitalized on a counter attack led by Al Saudi to find the match-winner for Al Najma in the stoppage time. It was the fifth win for Al Najma, who remained eighth with 21 points, with a match against leaders Muharraq in hand.

 

Najma is leading the AFC Cup Group C standings with seven points but Yemen ’s Shaab Hadramout and Omani outfit Al Nahda are also in contention for a knock-out stage berth from this group with six points each.