Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club bounced back to winning ways to move out of the Saudi Pro League relegation zone.
They put last week’s hammering at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr behind them to beat Al Fateh 2-1 at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.
Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club has been blowing hot and cold throughout the season. And have conceded 13 goals in the last six matches, while scoring seven times.
Mosimane and his charges plunged into this one on the backfoot of a 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Al Nassr. They could not tame Ronaldo who turned on the style to notch a first half hattrick.
This was Mosimane’s heaviest defeat in what has been an illustrious career, with key highlights at Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly.
HOW ABHA FARED AGAINST AL FATEH
However, in this one, they were quick to show their intentions of winning the match. They opened the scoresheet on the sixth minute through Grzegorz Krychowiak.
And they were leading at the break. But Cristian Tello Herrera restored parity for Al Fateh after 54 minutes.
Three minutes later, Krychowiak completed his brace to restore Abha’s lead. That was all they needed to win and heave a sigh of relief. Last week’s spanking meant they remained with a paltry 22 points on their tally after 26 matches.
But on Sunday night they leaped out of the red zone, to 15th position on the Saudi Pro League with 25 points on their tally. They also benefitted from Al Akhoud’s 2-0 defeat to Al Feiha.
Under Mosimane, Abha Club have now played eight games where they won three times, drawing twice, and losing three times. In total they have collected 11 points out of a possible 24.
Without doubt, this stage remains critical for the veteran gaffer and his team. The next four games will be key in ensuring their safety. They have dates with Al Shabab, Al Akhoud, Al Ittihad and Damak respectively.
Simply put, Mosimane must inspire his team to win at least six of the remaining seven games, and hope that other relegation candidates like Al Tai and Al Akhoud slip up.
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