Al-Ittihad held by last-placed Abha after late Saudi Pro League error

Al-Ittihad surrendered a costly lead as bottom side Abha secured a 1-1 draw in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

The visitors were hoping to claim three points and maintain pressure on the teams above them, but a succession of decisive errors prevented them from turning their superiority into victory.

The result leaves Al-Ittihad fourth on 24 points, while Abha remain bottom of the table with three points.

Al-Ittihad’s plans were disrupted after only seven minutes when Colombian midfielder Richard Rios was forced off injured following a strong challenge in a contested ball. He appeared to have difficulty walking as he left the pitch, prompting coach Yens Vissinger to replace him with Ahmed Al-Ghamdi.

The injury also raised concern within the Al-Ittihad camp with their Asian fixture against Al Ain approaching.

The visitors then had a goal ruled out before half-time. Houssem Aouar appeared to have converted an attacking move, but the effort was disallowed because Danilo Pereira handled the ball before initially shooting. The ball then came off the goalkeeper and fell to Aouar, who finished the move.

Al-Ittihad increased the pressure after the interval and finally took the lead in the 52nd minute. A major mistake by the Abha goalkeeper saw the ball struck against the foot of Aouar, and the Algeria international made no mistake in taking advantage.

Al-Ittihad pushed for a second goal but could not make their opportunities count. Vissinger introduced George Ilenikhena and Marwan Al-Sahafi among his attacking changes, attempting to exploit the spaces created as Abha advanced in search of an equaliser.

The visitors thought they had doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute, a goal that would have put them close to securing the points. However, the video assistant referee intervened and the goal was cancelled, leaving Al-Ittihad with only a one-goal lead and giving Abha renewed belief.

Abha used that opening to increase the pressure during the closing stages. Substitute Faisal Al-Sibiani levelled in the 87th minute after benefiting from a misplaced pass by Al-Ittihad defender Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti.

Al-Ittihad were unable to restore their advantage before the final whistle and had to settle for a draw against the team at the bottom of the standings.

For Al-Ittihad, the result represented two points dropped in their pursuit of the leading sides. Abha, despite struggling defensively for much of the match, held on to their chance and earned a valuable point after continuing to attack until the final minutes.