Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono’s impressive clean sheet record for Al Hilal came to an end on Friday after Brazilian forward Victor dos Santos, known as “Vitinho,” scored a penalty goal for Al Ettifaq.
Bono, who had maintained 17 clean sheets, was unable to add to his tally as Al Hilal secured a 3-1 victory in the 11th round of the Saudi Roshan League.
Bono’s competition for the clean sheet title, Senegalese international Edouard Mendy, capitalized on the opportunity and matched his record later that day.
Mendy, who plays for Al Ahly, achieved his 17th clean sheet in a goalless match against Al-Raed at King Abdullah Sports City.
Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in the 10th round of league play, propelling Mendy to the top spot among goalkeepers for clean sheets since the start of the previous Roshan League season.
Mendy has shown exceptional form this season, playing six league matches and recording two crucial saves while conceding just four goals.
Bono, on the other hand, has made eight appearances in regular league matches, saving two goals but allowing eight to get past him.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal reclaimed the top spot in the Roshan Saudi League standings with their win over Al Ettifaq.
The victory brought Al Hilal’s points total to 28, overtaking Al Ittihad, which had momentarily taken the lead on Thursday after defeating Al Orouba with a similar 3-1 scoreline, bringing their tally to 27 points.
This competitive push between Bono and Mendy, two of Africa’s top goalkeepers, underscores the intense rivalry in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Their performances have kept fans and analysts closely watching the standings as both aim to cement their records in one of the region’s most-watched football leagues.
