The Abha First Football Team revived their prospects of staying in the Saudi Roshen League, winning hosts al-itthad on Friday 3rd, breaking the Tigers’ dominance streak, which began three years ago, and earning their biggest win over the same team.
Poland’s Gregors Kretchoviak, Abha midfielder, opened the meeting goals at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City in the 57th minute from the penalty spot. Portuguese winger Jota Felipe, six minutes later, levelled for a self-inflicted penalty.
But Hassan Ali, the hosts’ striker, restored them to the lead, with a goal in the 69th minute, followed by a third goal by fellow defender Fabian Noguera in the 73rd minute.
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The al-itthad’s balance was frozen at 50 points, in fifth place, while the winner raised his balance to 28 and advanced to 16th place instead of 17th, trailing only the goal difference from the 15th-placed groove, the first survival guarantee among the competition clubs.
The victory broke back-to-back federal victories against Abha, which reached six, from May 2021 until last November.
al-itthad beat Abha in the second round of the 2020- 2021 league, back and forth in the past two editions, and in the first round of this season.
In turn, Abha won three victories against the al-itthad, all also for the Pro League, but his fourth win is the most goals.
Abha imposed his word on the Tigers in the first leg of the 2019- 2020 and 2020- 2021 leagues, winning 2, 21 and 10, respectively.
The teams face off twice again in the Professional League, returning to their first season, 2008-2009, resulting in the al-itthad’s victory.
