It’s D-Day for celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane as he faces a defining moment in his career. This is ahead of Abha Club’s final match of the Saudi Pro League 2023/24 season on Monday night.
Abha may have won their last match but Monday’s high-stakes match presents their last chance to avoid relegation.
They face bottom-placed Al Hazm, and if they harbour any hopes of avoiding relegation from the Saudi Pro League, this is their last chance saloon.
The match will be played at the Al-Hazm Club Stadium. Last week they grabbed a crucial 2-1 win over Al Khaleej, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
Their last meeting against Al Hazm ended in a 1-1 draw on 14 December 2023. But it is not hard to imagine Abha winning considering how Al Hazm have fared so far
In 33 matches, Al Hazm has only won thrice, with 12 draws and 18 defeats. The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach and his men are 15th on the log standings, one place above the three relegation spots with 32 points on their tally.
WHAT WOULD SAVE PITSO MOSIMANE’S ABHA CLUB ON D-DAY
And, only a straight win can assure them of safety. This means they can only end the season with a maximum of 35 points.
A draw could easily condemn Mosimane’s Abha Club to the unfashionable lower tier division. Al Riyadh, Al Tai and Al Akhdoud are the other teams whose safety remains threatened.
Riyadh are however at par with Mosimane’s team in terms of points albeit with a better goal difference. Al Tai are 16th while Al Akhdoud are 17th with 31 and 30 points respectively. On Monday, Al Tai and Al Akhdoud are set to clash in a battle of relegation candidates.
A draw between the two teams would be the best result in favour of Mosimane and his charges. On the other hand, Al Riyadh face Al Khaleej on the same day.
Abha can only hope for better strides which will be tough as teams fight to conclude the season undoubtedly. A win is a must while hoping that Al Tai and Al Akhdoud drop points or at least draw when they face off.
Throughout the season, Abha have been let down by their porous defence which has let in 29 goals in the last 12 matches. They have struggled for goals and have managed ten goals in 12 matches.
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