Al Qadsiah strike twice in three minutes to extend Roshn Saudi League title push

Al Qadsiah continued their impressive start to the season under Irish manager Brendan Rodgers with two goals in three minutes against Al-Ettifaq on Friday, maintaining their challenge at the top of the Roshn Saudi League.

The visitors took the lead in the 13th minute when Mexico forward Julian Quinones, last season’s leading scorer, converted a fine pass from Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.

Al Qadsiah doubled their advantage less than three minutes later through Italy international Mateo Retegui. Ponsu Bah led a swift counter-attack before finding Retegui inside the penalty area, where he finished to complete another incisive move.

The result underlined Al Qadsiah’s effectiveness on the break, a feature of their performances under Rodgers as they compete for the league title.

Abu Al-Shamat has played as a right-back this season but has made a significant attacking contribution. He now has six goal involvements in seven matches, having scored three goals and provided three assists.

Quinones has also reached four contributions, with three goals and one assist. Retegui has six contributions in eight matches across all competitions, scoring six times without registering an assist.

Al Qadsiah’s result keeps them at the summit of the Roshn Saudi League with 15 points. They are level with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in a closely contested title race.