The second and third day of 23th round of the Saudi Pro League featured interesting encounters, with African players making a significant impact across multiple matches.
Here is a breakdown of the African players' goal contributions in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday and Sunday.
Al Ittihad 1-1 Al Okhdoud
Al Ittihad was held to a 1-1 draw by Al Okhdoud in a match that saw two African players finding the net.
Algerian attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar opened the scoring for Al Ittihad in the 39th minute with a solo effort, dribbling before slotting the ball into the net with his left foot.
However, Cameroonian forward Christian Bassogog rescued a point for Al Okhdoud with a powerful and precise strike in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
With this goal, Aouar has now contributed to three goals in his last four matches (two goals, one assist). He is now up to ten league goals this campaign.
Current Standings:
Al Ittihad: 1st place – 57 points (six points ahead of Al-Hilal).
Al Okhdood: 17th place – 17 points (second-to-last).
Al Kholood 2-1 Al Khaleej
Al Kholood secured a 2-1 home victory over Al Khaleej, with African players once again dominating the scoresheet.
Egyptian striker Mohamed Sherif gave Al Khaleej an early lead in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Nigerian defender Troost-Ekong’s pass was deflected by the goalkeeper.
However, Al Kholood turned the game around with two penalty goals. Congolese forward Jackson Muleka equalized from the spot in the 16th minute.
Comorian forward Myziane Maolida sealed the win with another penalty in the 42nd minute. Maolida’s influence on Al-Kholood continues to grow as he has now scored five goals in his last six matches. His total for the season stands at twelve league goals.
Meanwhile, Muleka has now contributed to goals in back-to-back games after assisting AlKholood’s only goal in their 5-1 defeat to Al Hilal last round.
Current Standings:
Al Khaleej: 10th place – 29 points.
Al Kholood: 11th place – 28 points.
Al Fateh 1-2 Al Taawoun
Al Taawoun secured a 2-1 away win against Al Fateh, with another dominant display from African players.
Algerian attacking midfielder Sofiane Bendebka gave Al Fateh the lead before halftime (45+3’), scoring from close range inside the box. Bendebka continues his good form, having now scored three goals in his last four matches.
However, Gambian striker Musa Barrow turned the game around after coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute.
Barrow equalized in the 69th minute with a powerful finish from inside the area after a low cross from Roger Martínez before confirming Taawoun's victory deep into stoppage time (99th minute) with a precise finish.
Meanwhile, Barrow returned to scoring after a five-match goal drought, bringing his season tally to 12 league goals—five behind league leader Cristiano Ronaldo.
Current Standings:
Al Taawoun: 8th place – 31 points.
Al Fateh: 15th place – 19 points.
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