In a match full of goals and twists, Al-Fayha deepened the wounds of their host Al-Taawon, defeating them by a score of three goals to two, in the match that brought them together on the grounds of King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah, as part of the competitions of the twenty-third round of the Saudi Professional League for the 2023-2024 season.
Match details and events
The match began cautiously from both sides before Al-Fayha gradually imposed their rhythm. Just before halftime, Algerian star Yacine Benzia opened the scoring for the visitors in the 43rd minute with a perfectly executed free kick. At the start of the second half, Zambian striker Fashion Sakala doubled Al-Fayha's lead in the 52nd minute, putting Al-Taawoun in a difficult position. However, Al-Taawoun refused to give up, regrouping and mounting a strong comeback. They first reduced the deficit through Brazilian João Pedro in the 74th minute, then quickly equalized through Mohammed Al-Dossari in the 79th minute, igniting the atmosphere in the final minutes. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Fashion Sakala snatched a dramatic winner for his team in the 89th minute, scoring his second goal of the match and securing three valuable points for Al-Fayha.
Impact of the result on the league standings
With this defeat, Al-Taawoun continued their recent run of disappointing results, failing to secure a win for the fourth consecutive league match (three losses and a draw). The team remains stuck on 39 points in fifth place, a blow to their ambitions of qualifying for the AFC Champions League next season, especially after their strong start to the campaign. On the other hand, this victory provided a significant morale boost for Al-Fayha, who climbed to eighth place in the standings with 31 points, comfortably clear of the relegation zone and firmly establishing themselves in mid-table.
General context and importance of winning
This match comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars. Such results underscore the high level of competitiveness in the league, where teams are now capable of pulling off upsets regardless of their position in the standings. Al-Fayha's victory over a team of Al-Taawoun's caliber, especially on their home ground, reflects the tactical development and high level of fighting spirit displayed by mid-table teams, making the battle for the top spots even more exciting and thrilling in the remaining rounds of the competition.
