Al Kholood Come From Behind to Sink Al Shabab 2-1 in Saudi Pro League Thriller

Al Kholood produced a determined second-half comeback to defeat Al Shabab 2-1 in a fiercely contested Saudi Pro League encounter on Wednesday, with the winning goal arriving just three minutes from time to send the home faithful into raptures.

Al Shabab Strike Early

It was Al Shabab who drew first blood in what proved to be an intense and physical affair. Colombian forward Roger Martínez broke the deadlock in just the sixth minute, capitalising on an early opportunity to give Al Shabab the advantage and set the tone for a combative match. The visitors looked comfortable with their lead and appeared well-organised as the first half progressed.

Kortajarena Levels Before the Break

Al Kholood refused to sit back and were rewarded for their persistence when Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena Canellada drew the hosts level in the 30th minute, finishing confidently to restore parity before the interval. The equaliser injected renewed energy into Al Kholood and ensured the teams went into the break on level terms, setting up a fascinating second half.

Al-Dosari the Hero in Stoppage Time

Both sides made tactical adjustments after the restart, with substitutions shaping the flow of the game. Al Shabab brought on Daniel Podence at half-time and later introduced Hammam Al-Hammami and Dhari Sayyar Al Anazi as they sought to regain control. Al Kholood likewise shuffled their pack, bringing on Antoine Loic Essomba Bikoula midway through the second half. It was one of those substitutes, Abdulrahman Al-Dosari, who proved the difference — the forward came off the bench and, in the 87th minute, produced a clinical finish to hand Al Kholood all three points in stunning fashion.

Cards Fly in a Feisty Encounter

The match was not short of controversy or physicality. A total of seven yellow cards were brandished across the ninety-plus minutes — four for Al Kholood and three for Al Shabab. Al Kholood's Mansour Camara and Seydouba Cisse were booked in the first half, with Iker Kortajarena and Mohammed Al Rashidi receiving their cautions in the second period. For Al Shabab, Daniel Podence, Dhari Al Anazi, and Tin Jedvaj — the latter cautioned in the 95th minute for dissent — all saw yellow. Both teams also made the maximum three substitutions apiece as managers sought to influence the outcome.

What This Result Means

This victory is a significant confidence booster for Al Kholood, who demonstrated tremendous character and resilience to overturn a deficit against a competitive Al Shabab side. The three points will be vital in the context of the Saudi Pro League standings, reinforcing Al Kholood's ambitions for a strong campaign. For Al Shabab, conceding so late will sting deeply, and they will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next assignment.