Al Khaleej Saihat
Al Khaleej Saihat emerged 4-2 victors in a Pro League classic against Al-Hazm, a match that swung like a pendulum before Musa Barrow’s second-half brace sealed a breathtaking comeback.
Al Khaleej Saihat Start Strong But Al-Hazm Strike Back
The home side exploded from the traps, Barrow curling home a superb opener on 24 minutes after Al-Hazm’s defence parted like the Red Sea. But disaster struck as Boubakary Kouyate and Fawaz Al-Saqour both saw yellow in a chaotic 36th minute – the defensive axis wobbling before Sofiane Bendebka punished them three minutes later, slotting past Abdulrahman Al-Morais to level.
Worse followed on the stroke of half-time. Ahmed Al-Nakhli’s threaded pass found Afimico Pululu, who rounded Al-Morais to stun the home crowd. Al-Hazm led 2-1 at the break, their 39% possession a testament to clinical finishing.
Angelo Fulgini Orchestrates Al Khaleej Saihat’s Resurgence
Whatever Jose Gomes said at halftime worked instantly. Just 94 seconds after the restart, Kouyate rose like a salmon to thump Fulgini’s corner past Jiri Stánek – redemption for the Malian after his earlier booking.
The game turned on a dime in the 73rd minute. Fulgini, a constant menace, squared for Joshua King to tap home before providing his third assist two minutes later – Barrow smashing in to complete his brace. Suddenly, 2-1 down became 4-2 up in 180 ruthless seconds.
The stats told the story: Al Khaleej’s 61% possession, 16 shots to Al-Hazm’s 12, and Fulgini’s hat-trick of assists underlining his creative mastery.
Pro League Drama Leaves Al-Hazm Reeling
Al-Hazm’s discipline unraveled with four yellows, including Pululu’s after he’d given them the lead. Joseph Kadri’s side now sit dangerously close to the drop zone after shipping four goals despite blocking five shots.
For Al Khaleej, this was statement-making. Barrow’s double takes him to five for the season, while Fulgini’s vision (3 key passes) and Gomes’ tactical tweaks transformed the contest. They climb into the top half, their highest xG (3.31) of the campaign proving their attacking verve.
As the floodlights dimmed, Al-Hazm’s players slumped – a crushing collapse after leading at half-time. Al Khaleej’s fans stayed late, singing Barrow’s name into the night. In Saudi Arabia’s unforgiving heat, this was football at its most gloriously unpredictable.
Key Moments
24′ ⚽ Al Khaleej Saihat — Musa Barrow
39′ ⚽ Al-Hazm — Sofiane Bendebka
45′ ⚽ Al-Hazm — Afimico Pululu (assist: Ahmed Al-Nakhli)
47′ ⚽ Al Khaleej Saihat — Boubakar Kouyate (assist: Angelo Fulgini)
