Morocco attacker Mourad Batna continues impressive scoring form despite Al-Fateh defeat

Moroccan international Mourad Batna continued his impressive attacking form for Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh after getting on the scoresheet in their 4–2 defeat to Neom on Sunday evening in the seventh round of the Saudi Pro League.

Despite Al-Fateh suffering another setback, Batna once again showed his importance to the team’s attacking play, scoring before halftime to keep his side firmly in contention during a highly competitive encounter.

Neom took control early in the game and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute after French forward Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty to give the hosts a 1–0 advantage.

Al-Fateh responded positively to the setback and gradually grew into the game as they searched for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 41st minute when Batna found the back of the net to restore parity.

The Moroccan forward’s goal gave Al-Fateh renewed confidence heading into the break, with both sides going into halftime level at 1–1.

Neom, however, returned from the interval with greater attacking intent and regained the lead in the 53rd minute through Amadou Koné.

Al-Fateh refused to surrender and continued to push forward in search of another equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Wilfried Kanga scored to make it 2–2 and put the visitors back on level terms.

The game remained finely balanced before Neom eventually took control of the contest in the closing stages.

Lacazette struck again in the 70th minute to restore Neom’s advantage, putting the hosts 3–2 ahead and leaving Al-Fateh with another uphill battle.

Valentin Vada then completed Neom’s four-goal haul in the 79th minute, sealing a convincing 4–2 victory and handing Al-Fateh a disappointing defeat despite their spirited comeback efforts.

For Batna, his goal further underlined his importance to Al-Fateh’s attacking setup. The Moroccan international was one of his side’s standout performers and earned a very high rating for his display, highlighting the quality and influence he showed throughout the encounter.

Batna’s continued scoring form will be encouraging for Al-Fateh as they look to improve their fortunes in the Saudi Pro League, while his individual performances continue to attract attention as one of the team’s key attacking outlets.