Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Al Khaleej, lifting them out of the relegation zone in the Saudi Pro League.
The match was played at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium. Abha Club came into this fixture desperate to win to leap to 32 points and at least go into the last day out of the drop zone.
And they were determined to win. Francois Kamano thrust them ahead after 34 minutes and they held on until the break.
However, Al-Khaleej appeared to have deflated Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Club hopes after equalizing on the 78th minute through Abdullah Al-Salem.
But Alberto Noguera scored their winning goal in the referee’s optional time to move up the ladder to 15th position.
Moreso, they were boosted by the fact that Al Tai lost 3-1 to down at the break while Al Akhdoud drew 1-1 against Al Wehda.
After this one, they moved to 15th position with 32 points on their tally. Al-Tai and Al-Akhdoud are now 16th and 17th position respectively.
MOSIMANE’S ABHA FACES A DECISIVE FINAL DAY IN THE SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
Ahead of this one, the two teams have had indifferent results. In the last seven matches Mosimane’s men have managed two wins, one draw and four defeats.
Moreso, at this point the former Bafana Bafana mentor and his charges do not have fate in their hands. They are reliant on how the other teams in the relegation mix perform.
After Al-Khaleej, they face Al-Hazm, who were already relegated going into the last five matches of the game. The penultimate match will be played on Monday at Al-Hazm Club Stadium.
With one match left to wrap up the 2023/24 season, Abha can only hope for better strides which will be tough as teams fight to end the season on high note.
Crucially, they must hope that Al Riyadh, Al Tai and Al Akhdoud all drop points in their matches. In truth, Abha have been let down by their defence which has let in 29 goals in the last 12 matches.
Moreover, their forward-line has not been as effective as needed. They have struggled for goals and have managed ten goals in 12 matches.
Sadly, it is at this point that goal difference will count the most for the team led by the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana mentor.
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