Al-Ettifaq faces a significant challenge in their postponed match from the tenth round of the Saudi Professional League, as they prepare to meet Al-Qadisiyah in a tough encounter where both teams will be aiming for a positive result to improve their position in the standings. In this context, Al-Ettifaq's head coach, Saad Al-Shehri, has finalized his tactical options for the match, most notably determining the player who will occupy the attacking wing position to compensate for the enforced absence of star player Khalid Al-Ghannam.
A significant absence and a promising opportunity
The absence of Khaled Al-Ghannam is a significant blow to Al-Ettifaq, as the player is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Al-Ghannam has had an exceptional season, participating in 21 Roshan League matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, making him one of the most valuable assets in Al-Shehri's squad. To address this shortage, the coach has decided to field the young Portuguese player, João Costa, 20, in his place in the starting lineup. This match presents a valuable opportunity for Costa to prove his abilities and impress the coaching staff and fans, especially considering he has already participated in 9 matches this season, providing 2 assists in 520 minutes of play.
The importance of the match in the context of the competition
The match holds added importance for both sides. Al-Ettifaq, currently seventh with 38 points, are looking to secure a victory to climb the standings and move closer to the top spots, aiming to finish the season on a high note befitting the club's history. Meanwhile, Al-Qadisiyah enter the match in fourth place with 50 points, and a win in this rescheduled game is crucial to solidifying their position in the top four, which would guarantee them a place in next season's Asian competitions – a strategic objective the club is striving for this season.
Roshan League: Competition on all fronts
This encounter comes amidst an exceptional season in the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars and a significantly higher level of competition. Matches are no longer easy, and every point is crucial in the race for the top spot, continental qualification, and the fight to avoid relegation. The absence of an influential player like Al-Ghannam and the testing of a young player like Costa in such a vital match underscores the depth of the challenges facing clubs and highlights the importance of having a strong bench capable of compensating for any unforeseen absences. This is precisely what Saad Al-Shehri is counting on to secure a positive result at Al-Qadisiyah's stadium.
