Al-Fayha
Al-Fayha Edge Abha in Five-Goal Pro League Thriller
Al-Fayha survived a nerve-shredding finale to beat Abha 3-2 in their Saudi Pro League Round 4 clash, with Brazillian forward Lazaro netting twice before Abdou Diallo’s late own goal proved decisive.
Lazaro Strikes Twice as Al-Fayha Dominate
The hosts took just 32 minutes to break through when Lazaro pounced on hesitant defending, slotting past Donovan Leon to send the home fans into raptures. The Brazilian doubled his tally in the 56th minute with a clinical finish, capitalising on Al-Fayha’s 56% possession dominance that saw them outshoot Abha 18-8 overall.
Abha’s frustration grew as Khaled Al Shamrani and Jurien Gaari both saw yellow before halftime, their 16 fouls betraying a team struggling to contain Al-Fayha’s fluid attack.
Abha’s Late Rally Falls Short
Just when the game seemed dead, Abha sparked into life. Alimami Gory’s 84th-minute strike halved the deficit before Diallo’s nightmare moment three minutes later – diverting a cross past his own keeper under pressure from substitute Stéphane Ganvoula.
Michy Batshuayi converted a 94th-minute penalty after a handball, but it came too late for Abha as Al-Fayha held on through seven agonising minutes of stoppage time.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Carille Fabio’s Al-Fayha, this hard-fought victory moves them up the early Pro League table, their Brazilian connection between Lazaro and Paulo Oliveira proving decisive. Abha manager Damir Buric faces questions after his side’s third straight loss despite Batshuayi’s late consolation, with defensive errors costing them dearly once again.
Both sides now turn their attention to Matchday 5, where Al-Fayha will look to build momentum while Abha desperately seek to stop the rot.
Key Moments
32′ ⚽ Al-Fayha — Lazaro
56′ ⚽ Al-Fayha — Lazaro
84′ ⚽ Abha — A. Gory
87′ ⚽ Al-Fayha — A. Diallo
