En-Nesyri Opens Saudi Pro League Account As Al-Ittihad Edge Al-Fayha 2-1

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Al-Ittihad claimed a 2-1 win over Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League at Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City, climbing to sixth place. Hassan Kadish struck the decisive goal seven minutes from time, settling a tight match where Al-Ittihad had to respond after losing their previous league outing.

Left-back Kadish played a central role for Al-Ittihad across the full 90 minutes. Kadish contributed heavily in attack and defence, leading the team in shots and tackles. Statistical data later underlined Kadish’s influence, with strong numbers for touches and ball recoveries as Al-Fayha struggled to contain the player’s contributions.

The match stayed balanced early on, with both teams creating half chances but lacking accuracy. The deadlock finally ended in the 35th minute when Mahamadou Doumbia broke clear down the right and drove a low cross into the area. Youssef En-Nesyri swept in the pass for En-Nesyri’s first Saudi Pro League goal.

Al-Fayha reacted quickly after the interval and equalised nine minutes into the second half. Fashion Sakala met Yassine Benzia’s cross with a firm downward header that beat Predrag Rajkovic. Sakala also became the second Al-Fayha player to score three straight Pro League goals against Jeddah teams, following Danilo Asprilla.

Al-Ittihad then controlled much of the remaining period as pressure built on Orlando Mosquera’s goal. Doumbia and Houssem Aouar both tried their luck from distance, although Mosquera did not face difficult saves. The breakthrough came late when Kadish’s effort deflected, looping beyond Mosquera and dropping inside the far corner.

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fayha in Saudi Pro League: data debrief

Underlying metrics reflected how closely matched Al-Ittihad and Al-Fayha were across the contest. Al-Ittihad generated 0.68 expected goals from 15 attempts, while Al-Fayha produced 0.65 xG from 11 shots. Kadish led Al-Ittihad for shots, touches, and tackles, while winning possession seven times, just behind Doumbia’s eight recoveries.

The result gives Al-Ittihad a valuable lift in the Saudi Pro League, ending a short winless spell and moving the club upward in the table. Al-Fayha competed closely on chances and possession, yet a decisive moment from Kadish, supported by Doumbia and En-Nesyri, ensured the hosts secured all three points.