Al Diriyah
Late Drama in Pro League as Al Diriyah Claw Back Against Al Kholood
Al Diriyah snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al Kholood in their Pro League Round 3 clash, with Mohammed Al Nemer’s 83rd-minute strike cancelling out Abdulaziz Al Aliwa’s opener in a match that crackled with late tension.
Al Kholood Strike First Against Run of Play
Against the odds, it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 71st minute. Al Kholood’s clinical counterattack saw Iker Kortajarena slide in Al Aliwa, who buried his chance despite Al Diriyah enjoying 58% possession. The hosts had dominated the stats – 10 total shots to Al Kholood’s 9, with 8 corners to their opponent’s solitary flag-kick – but found themselves trailing.
The goal sparked chaos on Al Kholood’s bench, with coach Des Buckingham making three late substitutions to protect their lead. Defender Ramzi Sawlan’s yellow card for a cynical 77th-minute foul signalled their defensive intent.
Al Diriyah’s Relentless Pressure Pays Off
The introduction of Mohammed Al Nemer in the 81st minute proved inspired. Just two minutes after entering the fray, the substitute latched onto Abdulaziz Al Faraj’s incisive pass to rifle home the equaliser, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Al Kholood’s discipline crumbled under the pressure, with Seydouba Cisse and Yousef collecting late yellow cards as their resistance turned desperate. The hosts’ superior pass accuracy (88% to 84%) and higher xG (1.41 to 0.56) finally told when it mattered most.
What This Result Means For Both Sides
For Al Diriyah, this comeback – their fourth shot on target coming in the dying moments – shows a resilience that could define their season. Meanwhile, Al Kholood will rue dropping points after defending courageously for 80 minutes.
Both teams remain mid-table after three Pro League matches, with work to do as the competition intensifies. But for the neutral, this was Saudi football at its most dramatic – where one late substitution can change everything.
Key Moments
71′ âš½ Al Kholood — A. Al Aliwa (assist: I. Kortajarena)
83′ âš½ Al Diriyah — M. Al Nemer (assist: A. Al Faraj)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
