Saudi Pro League: Aubameyang matches Mané in Al-Qadsiah victory, Mahrez and N'Koudou shine
- Andrew Olsson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
All three matches on Friday from the Saudi Pro League saw African national team players make significant contributions as the 2024-25 season approaches its conclusion.
Gabon national team star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Al-Qadsiah continue to make a serious push for continental football next season and Friday's victory over Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and Al-Nassr is a big step forward. The Gabonese star headed in the match winner in the 87th minute only minutes after Mané equalized for Nassr in the 84th minute.
Qadsiah, who recently qualified for the final of the King Cup, are now only two points back of third place Nassr following Friday's victory. Aubameyang is now on 12 goals and 2 assists while Mané has 8 goals and 9 assists in league play. The top three clubs will qualify for the AFC Champions League next season.
However, Aubameyang and his team will have to also deal with Riyad Mahrez and Al Ahli who are level with Qadsiah on 55 points. The Algeria national team superstar was sensational on Friday, contributing a hat-trick of assists along with a late goal in Ahli's 5-0 destruction of Al Fayha. Mahrez now has 6 goals and 9 assists this season.
Not to be overlooked, Cameroonian winger Georges-Kévin N'Koudou scored twice from the penalty spot in Damac FC's 3-1 victory at Al Kholood. It was the 30-year-old former Beşiktaş star's first goals in two-and-a-half months. Otherwise, N'Koudou has been very productive for the midtable side with with 13 goals and 3 assists this season in Pro League action.
Action continues from Round 28 on Saturday with Al Orubah hosting Al Raed before Al Taawoun take on Al Wehda.