Al Fateh are turning into a story of determination in the Saudi Pro League. After spending the first half of the 2024-25 season rooted to the bottom of the table, Algerian playmaker Soufiane Bendebka and Moroccan forward Mourad Batna are inspiring a revival under the watch of recently hired former Zamalek coach José Gomes.
Joining Fateh's North Africans in contributing to a resurgence of form is Cape Verdean striker Djaniny, who opened the scoring in Fateh's 3-1 victory at Al Okhdoud. The towering marksman finished in the 26th minute before former Zimbabwe national team star Knowledge Musona leveled a few minutes later with a spectacular curling free kick.
However that moment of brilliance from Musona was as good as it got for Okhdoud. Early in the second half, Bendebka converted a penalty kick for his 6th goal of the season and then it was former FUS Rabat star Batna's turn to score from the spot as Fateh earned their third consecutive victory. Fateh are now out of the relegation zone while Okhdoud are second from last place.
Another Algerian attacker, Saïd Benrahma, caused a surprise when he decided to join Saudi second tier side Neom SC on loan from French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais in the January transfer window. However, with the big spending club looking set for promotion to the Saudi Pro League, it could be a savvy move for Benrahma who scored his first goal in Neom's 2-0 victory at Al Hazem from a free kick.
An important victory for Neom over their closest contenders for the second tier title. Neom now lead by eight points and are clear favorites to win the league and promotion to the big stage of the Saudi top flight. Benrahma's loan does give Neom an option to buy if they are promoted and the former West Ham United attacker would give them the star power needed to survive.
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