Bernard Mensah orchestrates Al Riyadh’s stunning comeback victory over Al-Raed
Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah was instrumental in Al Riyadh’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday. The match, held at the Al Raid Club Stadium, saw the visitors overturn a one-goal deficit late in the game, with Mensah’s crucial assist setting the stage for a thrilling turnaround.
Despite Al-Raed being reduced to ten men early in the first half, they managed to take the lead and appeared poised for victory.
However, Al Riyadh mounted a late resurgence that secured them all three points in a gripping contest.
The game’s intensity spiked in the 27th minute when Al-Raed defender Oumar Gonzalez received a straight red card, leaving his side with a significant numerical disadvantage.
Despite this setback, Al-Raed continued to fight valiantly, withstanding Al Riyadh’s offensive pressure and maintaining their defensive shape.
Al Riyadh, though enjoying the bulk of possession after the sending off, struggled to capitalize on their advantage.
The home crowd, vocal in their support, urged Al-Raed forward, and against the run of play, they managed to break the deadlock.
In the 71st minute, Amir Sayoud stunned Al Riyadh with a well-taken goal that gave Al-Raed the lead.
The Algerian forward latched onto a loose ball and fired a low shot past the Al Riyadh goalkeeper, sending the home fans into raptures.
Even with a man down, Al-Raed looked set to grind out a hard-earned victory.
As time ticked down, Al Riyadh’s hopes of salvaging a result appeared to be fading.
Yet, they refused to give up, and their persistence paid off as the match approached its final stages.
With ten minutes remaining, Mensah produced a moment of brilliance to turn the game on its head.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who had been a consistent presence throughout the match, delivered a precise cross into the box that found the unmarked Selemani.
The forward made no mistake, heading home the equalizer in the 80th minute, bringing Al Riyadh level and reigniting their hopes of a comeback.
The goal breathed new life into the visitors, who now had the momentum on their side.
With Al-Raed visibly tiring, Al Riyadh pressed forward in search of a winner.
As the match moved into stoppage time, Al Riyadh continued to apply pressure.
In the dying moments, their persistence was rewarded when Mohamed Konaté rose above the Al-Raed defense to head in the decisive goal.
Konaté’s powerful header found the back of the net, completing a remarkable turnaround and sealing a 2-1 victory for Al Riyadh.
The victory was crucial for Al Riyadh, who had struggled to break down Al-Raed for much of the match.
Bernard Mensah’s vital assist and commanding performance in midfield were key to their late success, as his pinpoint delivery set the stage for the comeback.
Al Riyadh’s 2-1 win over Al-Raed not only secured three valuable points but also underscored the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
Mensah’s contribution, particularly his assist for the equalizer, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the match.
For Al-Raed, the result was a bitter pill to swallow after their determined effort despite being a man down for most of the game.
This victory gives Al Riyadh a boost in their campaign, while Al-Raed will reflect on missed opportunities and their inability to hold onto a lead in the face of relentless pressure.
