Pitso Mosimane’s hopes of saving Abha Club’s Saudi Pro League status suffered another blow after being held by Knowledge Musona‘s Al Riyadh.
In this battle of strugglers, Al Riyadh welcomed Abha Club at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. The match ended 1-1.
Having won their previous match over Al Wedha, Mosimane was hoping his men keep the momentum. And they were thrust ahead by Francois Kamano after 26 minutes of play.
They held onto the lead into the half-time break. But the hosts came back with so much determination.
And they restored parity on the 70th-minute mark courtesy of Saleh Al Abbas’ goal from close range.
Going into this clash, both teams were hoping to ease their relegation woes. Al Riyadh held 15th position, while Abha Club were stuck in 17th position.
WHERE MOSIMANE’S TEAM STAND IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
And with the result, Abha Club remain 17th on the 18-team Saudi Pro league standings. Moreso only nine games remain before the 2023/24 season ends. They are separated by three points.
Mosimane has presided over six games at the club, winning twice, drawing twice, and losing twice. So far he inspired wins over troubled Al Tai and Al Wehda while sharing spoils with Al Taawoun and Al Riyadh.
The former Bafana Bafana mentor lost to Al Fayha and before Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq who handed them a heavy 3-0 defeat before the international break.
Meanwhile, Knowledge Musona who is in his first season with Al Riyadh after leaving Al Tai in June 2023 did not play.
The Zimbabwean was not drafted into the team that faced Abha Club, with his absence remaining conspicuous. So far, he has four goals and one assist under his belt and he is the club’s captain.
Musona and his teammate are not entirely safe from relegation, hence making every point crucial in their fight to maintain their Saudi Pro League status. They are now 14th on the log table, with 25 points in 24 matches.
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