Abha Club left it late to snatch a draw from the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, as they shared the spoils with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
The draw ultimately signaled the end of Luis Castro’s side 10-game winning run that began on August 22, 2023, having defeated Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC 4-2 in the Asian Champions League.
Al Nassr were minutes away from extending their imperious run, but a stunner from Karl Toko Ekambi resulted in the culmination of the streak.
Otavio took the Knight of Najd ahead in the 3rd minute and it seemed like it was going to be one of those days where they strolled over their opposition.
Anderson Talisca doubled the advantage of Al Nassr before Saad Bguir scored a penalty in the 36th minute to halve the deficit.
The partnership of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane didn’t yield a goal in the encounter, but they were lively throughout the 90 minutes of action.
The game between the Riyadh-based club and Abha Club was a blockbuster, with players providing a spectacle for the 21,197 supporters in attendance.
Teams Al Nassr defeated in their 10-match winning run
Al Nassr began their winning run as aforementioned by beating Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC 4-2, before recording a 0-5 win over Al Fateh FC.
The Knight of Najd also defeated Al Shabab, Al Hazem, Al-Raed, Persepolis, Al-Ahli, Ohod, Al Taee, and FC Istiklol.
Guatemalan referee Mario Alberto Escobar Toca did a great job handling the game, as he seemed fair in his officiating and he made commendable calls throughout the 90 minutes of action.
Following the draw, Al Nassr sit 3rd in the Saudi Pro League, with 19 points from 9 league matches.
Their opposition on Friday, October 6, 2023, Abha Club sit 15th on the table, just one spot above the first team in the dreaded relegation zone.
The Leaders of the South are level on points with Al Taee, who currently occupy the 18th spot, but they have a fairer goal difference of -9, compared to the latter, who have a -10 goal difference.
Al Nassr look to make right their wrongs in the coming weeks
Meanwhile, Al Nassr return to action in a fortnight, as they will be squaring up against 10th-place Damac FC.
The draw at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium would definitely have hurt them, particularly due to the manner in which it came.
They would be smelling blood against Damac FC, as they aim to return to winning ways at their hallowed turf.
Luis Castro’s side defeated Damac FC in both legs last season, winning 2-1 at home and a comprehensive 3-0 victory away, courtesy of a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Nassr are aiming to win the Saudi Pro League this term, having lost the title to Al Ittihad last season.
They spent a lengthy time at the summit of the Pro League table before they bottled their lead at the top.
Given their performances in the Asian Champions League, they will also be admiring the prospect of winning the trophy, especially with the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
