Zambia’s Fashion Sakala haunts Mosimane as Abha FC slide deeper into relegation woes

Pitso Mosimane’s struggle to save Abha FC from relegation hit a major snag on Sunday evening, as a brace by Zambian international Fashion Sakala propelled 10-man Al Feiha to a stunning 3-2 victory.

Mosimane, tasked with rescuing Abha from the Saudi Pro League’s drop zone, started his tenure with a draw. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach’s first official game was against Al Taawoun, a match they drew 1-1 after conceding a last-gasp goal a fortnight ago.

On Sunday, his team, languishing in 17th place, faced an uphill battle against a mid-table Al Feiha side sitting seven points ahead. Early hope flickered for Abha when Al Feiha’s Hussain Al Shuwaysh was sent off in the 4th minute following a VAR review. This advantage materialised into a 29th-minute lead through a Grzegorz Krychowiak penalty, awarded after another VAR intervention.

But the momentum swung dramatically before halftime. Abdelhamid Sabiri equalised for Al Feiha with a stoppage-time free-kick, leaving Abha stunned. The second half saw the 10 men of Al Feiha roar back even stronger. 

Sakala, expertly set up by Ghislain Konan, put Al Feiha ahead in the 70th minute, before adding a second goal in the 89th minute to double their lead and crush Abha’s spirits.

While Ahmed Abdu managed a consolation goal for Abha in stoppage time, it was too little, too late. This defeat leaves Mosimane’s team in dire straits, their relegation fight looking increasingly bleak with each passing game.

PITSO MOSIMANE’S RELEGATION WOES

Abha are just a point ahead of 18th-placed Al Hazm after 21 games played this season. It leaves them with 15 games to turn their fortunes around.

Three teams will face the chop at the end of the season. Interestingly, Abha play Al Tai, who are in 16th place after amassing 18 points. Abha have collected 15 points off four wins and three draws. The two sides meet on Friday in what is a must-win clash for both teams. 

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