Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late winner ensured all three points for Al Qadsiah as it beat Al Nassr 2-1 in the Saudi Pro League at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Friday.
The match sprung to life in the final 10 minutes of regulation time after host Qadsiah had held on to a one-goal lead for most part of the games.
The Nassr forward trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Jhon Duran were kept quiet by a resilient Qadsiah defence, the components of which would be quick to cramp the opposition forwards for space.
Qadsiah broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after Turki Al-Ammar had a simple tap-in to pull off. Former Arsenal striker Aubameyang was running behind the opposition defence with great success leading up to the goal.
AS IT HAPPENED | Al Qadsiah vs Al Nassr Highlights
The Gabon forward once again was played through on goal as he cut into the box from the right flank and let a shot fly himself. Nassr ‘keeper Bento was equal to the shot, but the rebound was presented on a platter for the incoming Al-Ammar.
Trailing by a goal, the visitor’s best chance – up to that point – to equalise came after the break when Jhon Duran squandered an opportunity. It was in the 57th minute when the ball was played into the Qadsiah box and Ronaldo failed to bring down the ball after pressure from a defender. The ball then fell kindly for Duran, who just had the goalkeeper to beat from point-blank range. Instead, too much power behind the shot saw the ball rocket into the stands.
It was Mane who equalised for his side in the 84th minute after Brazilian midfielder Otavio’s lofted cross over the opposition defenders found the Senegalese striker, who brought the ball down with a fine touch and fizzed it past goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
However, Nassr’s joy was cut short when Aubameyang flicked a Nahitan Nandez pass into an empty goal with a header just three minutes after Mane’s equaliser.
While this loss didn’t change either side’s position on the points table, it did deal a serious blow to Al Nassr’s title hopes as it sits third and eight points adrift of leader Al Ittihad.
Al Qadsiah remained fifth with 55 points after 28 games.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com