Hassan Kadesh’s Gulf Cup goal revives Roberto Mancini memories for Saudi Arabia

Hassan Kadesh’s headed goal for Saudi Arabia against Oman brought back memories of Roberto Mancini’s brief spell in charge of the national team, almost two years after the defender scored his only previous international goals.

Saudi Arabia faced Oman at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday in the second round of matches in Group B at Gulf Cup 27.

Kadesh doubled Saudi Arabia’s lead in the 18th minute when he met a cross from صالح ابو الشامات, delivered from a corner, and directed his header into the net.

It was the Al-Ittihad defender’s third goal for Saudi Arabia in his 22nd appearance and his first in the Gulf tournament. Saudi Sports Channels shared footage of the goal, which put Saudi Arabia 2-0 ahead.

The goal came almost two years after Kadesh scored both of his previous goals for the national team. Those strikes came in Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 victory over China on 10 September 2024 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Mancini in charge.

That match represented the high point of Mancini’s time as Saudi Arabia manager. Results subsequently deteriorated, leading to his dismissal and the appointment of Frenchman Herve Renard as his replacement.

Mancini, now the manager of Italy, had taken charge of Saudi Arabia before the China fixture. Kadesh’s latest goal therefore revived memories of the defender’s most productive period under the Italian coach, even though the two are no longer working together.

The match against Oman also marked a notable change in Kadesh’s position within the Saudi Arabia squad. He has regained a place in the starting line-up during Gulf Cup 27 after spending the 2026 World Cup on the substitutes’ bench.

That tournament was held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Kadesh’s return to the starting team has given him the opportunity to add to his international record, and he took it against Oman with his first goal in the Gulf competition.

His effort also maintained a personal pattern: all three of his goals for Saudi Arabia have come in matches in which he has started, with the latest arriving in only his 22nd appearance for the national side.