Al-Ittihad’s narrow victory away at Al-Okhdood was shaped by the authority of Mahamadou Doumbia, whose commanding display in midfield earned him the Man of the Match award and underlined his growing importance to the Jeddah club.
The Saudi Pro League title contenders edged a 2–1 win on Monday, 26 January 2026, in the 18th round of fixtures, collecting three valuable points on the road.
While the scoreline reflected a tightly contested encounter, Al-Ittihad’s control through the centre of the pitch proved decisive, with Doumbia at the heart of almost everything his side did well.
Selected from the start, the Malian midfielder completed the full 90 minutes and imposed himself on the rhythm of the contest.
His energy in recovering possession, combined with his accuracy in distribution, allowed Al-Ittihad to dictate long phases of play, particularly during key moments when Al-Okhdood attempted to apply pressure.
Doumbia was also a constant threat going forward, registering three efforts on goal and regularly supporting attacking moves from deep positions.
His influence did not go unnoticed. Awarded a match rating of 7.9, Doumbia was named Man of the Match, recognition that reflected both his individual contribution and his growing status within the squad.
The performance served as another indication of his steady rise since arriving in Saudi Arabia earlier in the season.
Al-Ittihad’s victory was significant beyond the individual accolade.
Playing away from home in the Saudi Pro League often demands resilience and composure, and the Jeddah side showed both to secure the result.
The win keeps them firmly in contention as the season progresses, with midfield balance once again proving crucial to their ambitions.
For Doumbia, the match marked another step forward in his adaptation to the league.
Since joining Al-Ittihad on 8 September 2025, the Malian international has steadily carved out a role as a dependable presence in midfield.
His ability to combine physical intensity with technical precision has helped him adjust quickly to the tempo and tactical demands of the Saudi Pro League.
As Al-Ittihad continue their campaign, performances like this one suggest Doumbia is becoming an increasingly influential figure.
His display against Al-Okhdood not only helped secure an important away win but also reinforced his reputation as one of the club’s most reliable performers in the middle of the park.
