Al-Hazm
Al-Hazm Snatch Last-Gasp Draw Against Al Shabab
Afimico Pululu converted a 95th-minute penalty to break Al Shabab hearts as Al-Hazm snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Saudi Pro League clash, leaving Thomas Letsch’s men rueing Dhari Al Anazi’s stoppage-time red card.
Martínez Strikes First for Al Shabab
Roger Martínez broke the deadlock three minutes after half-time, sweeping home Yannick Carrasco’s cutback in a move that typified Al Shabab’s slicker build-up play. The visitors had dominated possession (55%) and created the better chances (7 shots inside the box), with Martínez forcing two sharp saves from Ibrahim Zaied before finally beating him.
Al-Hazm’s frustrations boiled over as Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe chopped down Yacine Adli to earn a yellow card just before the hour – one of 15 fouls committed by the hosts as they fought to disrupt Al Shabab’s rhythm.
Al-Hazm’s Relentless Final Push
The introduction of Sofiane Bendebka sparked life into Al-Hazm, with the Algerian midfielder immediately testing Mory Diaw from range. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Dhari Al Anazi’s rash lunge on Bonheur Mugisha earned him a second yellow – and opened the door for Pululu to hammer home the resulting penalty, sending the home fans into raptures.
Goalkeeper Zaied was Al-Hazm’s hero, making four saves including a stunning late stop to deny Martínez a winner, while Al Shabab will rue wasting eight corners in a game they controlled for long periods.
Pro League Standings Implications
This smash-and-grab point moves Al-Hazm to five points from four games, while Al Shabab sit just a point better off after squandering victory in cruel fashion. Thomas Letsch must rally his side quickly before their AFC Champions League commitments begin, while Jalel Kadri’s men showed the never-say-die spirit that could define their survival bid.
Key Moments
48′ ⚽ Al Shabab — R. B. Martinez Tobinson (assist: Y. Carrasco)
90+5′ ⚽ Al-Hazm — A. Pululu
90+7′ 🟥 Al Shabab — D. Al Anazi sent off
