Teddy Okou earns Riyadh first Saudi Pro League win of the season

Riyadh secured their first Saudi Pro League victory of the season as Teddy Okou’s second-half goal defeated Neom 1-0 in the fourth round of the competition, with Egypt international Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” involved for the winners.

French forward Okou scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute, giving Riyadh all three points and ending their wait for a league victory.

The result moved Riyadh up to 11th place with four points. Their opening three matches had produced a draw against Al-Shabab, followed by defeats by Al-Ettifaq and Al-Nassr.

Neom remain seventh on six points after suffering their second defeat of the campaign. Their previous results had left them with a stronger start than Riyadh, but they were unable to find a response after Okou broke the deadlock.

Trezeguet featured for Riyadh after making a decisive contribution in the previous round. He scored and provided an assist in Riyadh’s match against Al-Shabab, continuing his early involvement since joining the club.

The winger moved to Riyadh after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Al Ahly Saudi FC by mutual consent.

Riyadh’s next fixture is against Al Ahli Saudi FC on Saturday in the fifth round of the Saudi Pro League. The match will give them an opportunity to build on their first win and move further away from the lower positions in the table.

Neom will be back in action a day earlier, when they host Al-Khaleej. The visitors are managed by Jose Gomes, who will take his side to Neom for the same round of league fixtures.

Former Egypt international Ahmed Hegazi also works at Neom, where he holds the position of deputy sporting director.