Al Kholood Edge Past Al Shabab in Crucial Bottom-Six Clash

Late Al Aliwa strike proves decisive as hosts climb above rivals in Pro League standings

Al Kholood secured a vital 1-0 victory over Al Shabab at the Ar-Rass Stadium on Saturday, moving above their relegation rivals in a tense bottom-six encounter that was decided by Abdullah Al Aliwa’s 78th-minute winner.

The result sees Al Kholood climb from 14th to 13th place, leapfrogging Al Shabab who drop to 14th in the 18-team Pro League table. With just one point separating the sides before kick-off, this was precisely the sort of fixture that could define both teams’ seasons.

The match proved to be a caggy affair befitting its importance, with both sides showing considerable caution in the opening exchanges. The deadlock remained intact at half-time despite Al Shabab enjoying the better of the territorial play, registering 57% possession throughout the contest.

Controversial Moments Shape Second Half

The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 67th minute when Al Shabab thought they had taken the lead through Abdullah Al Bulayhi, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal. The video review proved crucial, as Al Kholood capitalised on their reprieve just 11 minutes later.

Al Aliwa, who had already been cautioned in the first half, showed great composure to break the deadlock with what proved to be the match-winner. The goal came against the run of play, with Al Shabab having edged the shot count 7-6 and maintained their possession advantage.

The statistics highlighted how evenly-matched these sides were, with both teams registering two shots on target apiece. Al Shabab’s superior passing accuracy (86% to 82%) and greater number of attempts reflected their more patient approach, but they were ultimately undone by their inability to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.

Form Lines Vindicated

This result perfectly encapsulated both teams’ recent form patterns. Al Kholood’s victory marked their second win in five matches (DLLWL), whilst Al Shabab’s defeat continued their inconsistent run (WWDDL). The hosts’ greater defensive solidity proved decisive in a match where fine margins were always likely to determine the outcome.

With both sides still firmly embroiled in the relegation conversation, this victory could prove invaluable for Al Kholood’s survival hopes as the season enters its crucial final phase.