Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club adventure kicks off with draw
Veteran coach Pitso Mosimane started his adventure at Abha FC with a 1-1 draw against Al Taawoun on Thursday afternoon.
The two sides settled for a share of spoils in a match that was played at Abha FC’s home, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.
This was Pitso Mosimane’s first match in-charge of Abha FC since his appointment last month.
Prior this match, the club had last picked points on 4 November 2023 when they beat Al Akhoud 3-2 at home. But the win was followed by seven defeats and a draw as they further sank in the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, they remain in the relegation mix, with 15 points after 21 matches. Their goal difference remains at -30, two goals more than the bottom placed team, Al Hazm.
HOW PITSO MOSIMANE’S ABHA CLUB HAVE FARED THIS SEASON
Although they managed to draw, the visitors Al Taawoun were dominant throughout the match. Fortunately for the veteran coach, Pitso Mosimane, the Al Taawoun strikers could not breach the Abha goalie, Ciprian Tătărușanu.
Waleed Al-Ahmad scored an own goal for Abha before Aschraf El Mahdioui equalized minutes later. Both goals were scored in injury time.
Pitso Mosimane joined Abha Club last month after agreeing to a short-term contract that will see him in-charge until the season ends.
He was coming from a brief break that came after his unceremonious departure from UAE side, Al Wahda.
His job at Abha is simple and straight forward as he is expected to help the team retain their status. And he will hope replicate the same vein of form that helped him thrive in his first stint in Saudi.
The veteran, Mosimane is in his second stint in the Saudi Arabian football ranks, having coached Al Ahli. Infact, he helped them gain promotion into the Saudi top tier.
But the two parties divorced before he made his debut in the Saudi Arabia Pro League. It remains to be seen how the 59-year-old will fare at Abha FC until the season. Hopes are high that he will turn a corner and bring positive results.
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