Mahrez’s heroics send Mosimane’s Abha Club closer to relegation
Riyad Mahrez turned in a five-star performance, helping Al Ahli thump Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club 5-1 on Saturday, pushing them closer to the brink of relegation with just two matches remaining in the season.
Mahrez, named man of the match, was on target and also provided two assists. The result saw Mosimane’s Abha falling further into the Saudi Pro League relegation zone.
Abha Club is involved in a tightly contested relegation battle with two games left before the 2023/24 season finishes.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly tactician faced a star-studded Al-Ahli that has former English Premier League star in Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Édouard Mendy. Interestingly, Mosimane guided Ahli to promotion last season.
Currently, Abha Club is sitting 15th on the log standings with 29 points after 32 matches played. They won eight league games, drawing five and losing on 19 occasions.
Mosimane’s charges slipped into 17th place after fellow relegation-threatened side Al-Okhdood Club, and Al-Tai FC drew their respective games.
Abha Club conceded two first-half goals against Al-Ahli and went into the half-time break trailing 2-0 at King Abdullah Sports City.
Al-Ahli dominated the first stanza of the match, averaging 76% of ball position while Abha Club failed to short on target. The Pitso Mosimane-coached team conceded the third goal in the 77th minute. Mahrez scored the fourth goal. Abha got their consolation goal through Mendy, formerly with Chelsea.
ABHA CLUB CONCEDED 20 GOALS IN THEIR LAST FIVE GAMES
Meanwhile, Mosimane will need a solid defensive showing from his team to survive relegation after conceding 24 goals in their last seven outings.
Abha Club will face Al-Khaleej Club and Al-Hazem FC in their last two games of the campaign. They will be aiming to collect six points in the remaining matches.
Interestingly, Al-Hazem FC has already been relegated as they sit 18th on the table with 21 points. They are nine points behind Abha Club.
While Mosimane signed a short-term contract with Abha Club in February, he will be looking to help his club survive relegation before his contract expires.
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