Latest news with #Al-Okhdood
CAF
12-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Zimbabwe recall Knowledge Musona after three-year absence
Zimbabwe's hopes of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup have received a massive boost with the return of Knowledge Musona, who has been recalled to the Warriors squad after a three-year absence. The former national team captain, who last played for Zimbabwe in 2022 before announcing his retirement from international football, has accepted a call-up from the national team ahead of two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. Musona, now playing for Al-Okhdood in Saudi Arabia, is expected to provide vital experience and leadership to a squad looking to make history. Musona's return headlines a well-balanced squad, as head coach aims to combine seasoned internationals with emerging talents. In defence, the Warriors will rely on the Premier Soccer League and Serie A experience of Jordan Zemura (Udinese) and Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns) to provide stability at the back. In midfield, Marshall Munetsi (Reims) and Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town) are expected to dictate the tempo, adding defensive solidity and creativity in attack. Up front, Prince Dube (Young Africans) and Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell) will look to provide the firepower, while Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town) is an exciting young talent who could surprise. The Warriors will first face Benin on March 20 in Durban, a match seen as a must-win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Four days later, Zimbabwe will travel to Uyo, Nigeria, where they will face a star-studded Super Eagles side, making it one of their toughest challenges yet. With the team currently struggling in the qualifiers, a positive result against Benin will be crucial to building confidence before facing one of Africa's strongest teams. Squad Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC) Defenders: Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scotland), Godknows Murwira (Scotland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos) Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Mihood), Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood) Forwards: Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tymon Machope (Scotland), Walter Musona (Scotland)
Saudi Gazette
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Bassogog stuns Al-Ittihad with last-minute equalizer as Al-Okhdood snatches a dramatic draw
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Cameroonian forward Christian Bassogog shattered the celebrations of thousands of Al-Ittihad fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, netting a dramatic last-minute equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw for Al-Okhdood in their Saudi Pro League Round 23 clash. Al-Ittihad seemed poised for victory after Hassam Aouar's goal in the 39th minute gave them a crucial lead, setting them on course to extend their advantage over second-placed Al-Hilal in the title race. However, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Bassogog struck with a thunderous strike following a corner, silencing the home crowd and denying Al-Ittihad a crucial win. With the draw, Al-Ittihad remains atop the league standings with 57 points, holding a six-point lead over Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Al-Okhdood stays in the relegation zone, sitting in 17th place with 17 points. Al-Okhdood started the match strongly, testing Al-Ittihad's defense before the hosts gradually gained control. Karim Benzema missed a golden opportunity in the 37th minute before Aouar finally broke the deadlock with a precise low finish from the left side of the box. Al-Okhdood responded in the dying moments of the first half with a header from Naif Asiri that rattled the crossbar. The second half saw both teams exchange possession, with Al-Ittihad missing several chances to double their lead. As the match entered stoppage time, Al-Okhdood earned a late corner, which led to Bassogog's stunning long-range strike, leaving the home supporters in disbelief. In another late drama-filled clash, Al-Qadsiah edged Al-Riyadh 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal from Abdulaziz Al-Othman. The hosts took full advantage of their numerical superiority after Al-Riyadh's striker Mohamed Konate was sent off in the 63rd minute. Al-Qadsiah now sits third in the league table with 50 points, while Al-Riyadh remains in ninth place with 30 points. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq salvaged a last-minute draw against Al-Raed, thanks to a 99th-minute equalizer from Abdullah Al-Khateeb. The hosts had taken the lead in the 64th minute through Mathias Normann but failed to hold on in the closing moments. Al-Ettifaq now stands in seventh place with 32 points, while Al-Raed remains 16th with 18 points.
Saudi Gazette
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Ettifaq's Moussa Dembélé undergoes surgery, misses rest of the season
Saudi Gazette report LONDON — Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq announced on Monday that French striker Moussa Dembélé has undergone successful surgery in London after suffering a ruptured foot a statement on its X account, Al-Ettifaq confirmed that Dembélé sustained the injury during the team's match against Al-Okhdood last week in Round 19 of the Saudi Pro club stated that the player will rest for three weeks before beginning his rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club's medical staff, with his recovery expected to extend until the start of the next 28, joined Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer from Olympique Lyon in 2023 and has scored seven league goals this season. Al-Ettifaq suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Al-Fateh on Friday in the latest round of the league, leaving the team in 10th place with 25 points.
Arab News
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Hilal, Ettifaq return to winning ways
RIYADH: Al-Hilal returned to winning ways on Friday, defeating Al-Okhdood 4-0 to go three points clear of Al-Ittihad at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Kaio's first words after his fantastic debut — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) January 31, 2025 It was the perfect start but the Blue Waves had to wait until the end of the first half to establish their dominance. Two minutes before the break, Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic curled a free kick worthy of Cristiano Ronaldo into the top corner, and two minutes into added time Marcos Leonardo headed home at the far post following a headed cross from Saudi Arabian international Hassan Tambakti. The Brazilian forward scored a second from close range just 10 minutes after the restart to seal the win. While the victory put Al-Hilal back on top of the table, Al-Ittihad will join them on points if they beat Al-Kholood at home on Saturday. Later on Friday Ettifaq recorded a much-needed 3-1 win over Al-Shabab, just a day after the departure of head coach Steven Gerrard. Gini Wijnaldum put the hosts ahead after 35 minutes and despite a quick response from Abderazzak Hamdallah goals from Joao Costa and a second for the Dutchman deep into injury time put the game beyond reach.
