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Another tough test for Pitso Mosimane as he faces a 5-time Ballon d’Or winner

Following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday evening, Pitso Mosimane and Abha Club shift focus to facing a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Abha Club’s goal of avoiding relegation this season is still intact as they are two points away from safety. After 25 matches, Abha are sitting 16th in the 18-team log after collecting 22 points. Al Akhdoud occupy 15th place with 24 points.

In six matches the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor has been in-charge at the club, there have been some mixed results.

Mosimane has managed to pick eight points out of a possible 18. This comes after registering two victories, two draws and two defeats.

PITSO MOSIMANE TO FACE CRISTIANO RONALDO’S AL NASSR IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal for Al Nassir in the Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Picture by Al Nassr

On Tuesday, 2 April, Mosimane and his troops will welcome Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr FC at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium. Kickoff is at 21H00.

Ronaldo won his Ballon d’Ors in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

The reverse fixture that was played in October 2023 was a four-goal thriller which ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

The two sides find themselves on the opposite sides in the log standings. Al Nassr are second with 59 points, chasing the title from runaway leaders Al Hilal who have 71 points.

Al Nassr are the favourites to walk away with the three points against Abha based on their form in the past matches. The team is unbeaten in their last three games following victories and they are coming from a 5-1 victory against Al-Tai where Ronaldo scored a hattrick.

In the current campaign, the Portuguese international has been a nightmare for defenders and goalkeepers in the Saudi league.

The 39-year-old has found the back of the net 26 times in 23 matches. In addition he has turned provider nine times.

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