Salem Al Dawsari strike lifts Saudi Arabia past 10-man China in Asian qualifiers
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Salem Al Dawsari's decisive goal secured Saudi Arabia a 1-0 victory over 10-man China PR on Thursday, propelling them into sole possession of third place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26.
The Al Hilal captain broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Aiman Yahya's initial shot was saved.
China PR, already under pressure, was forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after Lin Liangmin was sent off for a high challenge on Hassan Kadesh in first-half stoppage time.
With the win, Saudi Arabia now has nine points from seven matches, staying within one point of second-placed Australia in the race for an automatic qualification spot behind group leaders Japan. China PR remains on six points with three games left.
China started aggressively, with Xie Wenning testing the Saudi defense early, but the hosts quickly responded.
Musab Al Juwayr fired wide in the 15th minute, while Nawaf Bu Washl came closest to opening the scoring midway through the first half when his curling strike, set up by an Al Dawsari backheel, rattled the underside of the crossbar.
Wang Dalei produced a string of saves to keep China in contention, first reacting sharply to prevent an own goal from Jiang Shenglong, then denying Feras Al Brikan just before halftime.
Saudi Arabia thought they had taken the lead when Faisal Al Ghamdi bundled the ball over the line, but VAR ruled it out for handball.
The half ended on a sour note for China, as Lin saw red for catching Kadesh in the face with his boot, leaving his team a man down for the remainder of the contest.
Saudi Arabia continued their dominance after the break, with Wang denying Al Dawsari early in the second half. But the veteran winger was not to be denied in the 50th minute, orchestrating the move that led to the goal and calmly slotting home after Yahya's effort was parried.
Nasser Al Dawsari and Yahya both came close to doubling the lead late on, but Saudi Arabia comfortably saw out the match for a deserved victory.
With the win, Saudi Arabia strengthens its push for qualification, staying within reach of automatic qualification behind Japan and Australia. China PR faces an uphill battle with three games remaining as they fight to stay in contention.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
11 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi PIF Partners with FIFA for 2025 Club World Cup
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and world football association FIFA have announced PIF as an official partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The partnership reflects the shared vision of FIFA and PIF to enable greater participation in sports by unlocking new opportunities, fostering innovation, and engaging fans around the world. With a focus on youth, the partnership will provide opportunities for young people, supporting FIFA in its efforts to engage and inspire at a grassroots level. The new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a fresh chapter for professional club football on the global stage. It will feature 32 of the world's top football clubs, bringing together champions from all six FIFA confederations for a month-long tournament in 11 cities across the United States. Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Saudi public will follow the tournament, where Al-Hilal Club participates as a representative of the Asian continent. 'We are delighted to welcome PIF as a partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™,' said FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai. 'Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world.' 'The partners of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup believe in our vision to make football truly global. Their support of the tournament will not only be integral to its success but will underpin investment in supporting the development of club football everywhere,' Gai said. PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed AlSayyad said: 'PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities.' 'PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world,' AlSayyad said. Football plays a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia, and as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034, reinforces the country's ambition to grow the game globally, create new opportunities for all, and extend its benefits in Saudi Arabia and every part of the world for generations to come. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 US host cities. The 63-match tournament will culminate with what promises to be a spectacular final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside of New York City, on July 13, when the FIFA club world champion will be crowned.
Saudi Gazette
20 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain to stay in World Cup qualification hunt
Saudi Gazette report RIFFA — Saudi Arabia kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 on Thursday. The result lifted Herve Renard's side to 13 points, setting up a decisive showdown with group leaders Australia next Tuesday. The Saudis must win that match by at least four goals to overtake the Socceroos on goal difference and secure second place. The Green Falcons asserted themselves early at Bahrain National Stadium. A long-range pass from Hassan Al Tambakti found Ali Majrashi in space, but the fullback's second touch allowed Bahrain goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla to close down quickly. Saudi Arabia found their breakthrough in the 16th minute. Captain Salem Al Dawsari delivered a pinpoint first-time cross to the far post, where Musab Al Juwayr — recently named Saudi Pro League Young Player of the Season — calmly sidefooted the ball home. Bahrain responded with long-range efforts from Komail Al Aswad and Mohamed Marhoon, but neither troubled Saudi keeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. Al Dawsari had a chance to double the lead in the 40th minute after a clever through-ball from Aiman Yahya, but his chipped finish drifted just over the bar. After the break, Saudi Arabia pressed for a second. Feras Albrikan had the ball in the net just before the hour mark, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the buildup. Bahrain nearly equalized in the 68th minute, but Marhoon's strike off a low cross from Ebrahim Alkhatal struck the post. Five minutes later, Al Aqidi produced a double save to deny Vincent Emmanuel and Mahdi Abduljabbar in quick succession. With Bahrain pushing forward in search of a goal, Saudi Arabia capitalized. In the closing minutes, Majrashi played a through ball to substitute Abduralrahman Alobud, who finished clinically to seal the 2-0 win. Saudi Arabia now face a high-stakes final group match against Australia, where only a convincing +5 goals win will send them directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Simone Inzaghi Signs to Coach Saudi Club Al-Hilal
Simone Inzaghi took over as head coach of Al-Hilal on Wednesday, a day after leaving Inter Milan and two weeks before the Saudi Arabian club's first game at the Club World Cup. Inzaghi signed a two-year deal. 'The Italian genius is here,' the Saudi club said in a social media post. Al-Hilal opens its Club World Cup campaign against Real Madrid on June 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Inzaghi won six trophies at Inter: one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia triumphs and three Italian Super Cups. He will be looking to add to his collection with Al-Hilal who have been crowned Saudi Arabian champions a record 19 times, and have been Asian champions four times.
