Latest news with #Al-Taawoun
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Sharjah stun Al-Taawoun in late semifinal turnaround
SHARJAH: Sharjah scored twice in injury time on Tuesday to beat Al-Taawoun 2-1 on aggregate and move into the final of the AFC Champions League Two. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Taawoun looking for positive result in first leg of ACL 2 semi against Sharjah in Buraidah
RIYADH: Saudi's Al-Taawoun host the UAE's Sharjah in Buraidah, this evening at 9pm, in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two semifinal. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The home team is aiming for a positive result before the return leg in Sharjah next Tuesday. Led by coach Mohammed Al-Abdali, the team is counting on the strong run it has enjoyed in the tournament, having topped Group B, which included Bahrain's Khalidiya, Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Tajikistan's Abtyn Asir. In the Round of 16, Al-Taawoun eliminated Qatar's Al-Wakrah after two 2–2 draws in the home-and-away legs, advancing with a 4–3 penalty shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Iran's Tractor Sazi Tabriz following a 0–0 draw in Iran and a 2–2 draw in Buraidah, winning the shootout 4–2. As for Sharjah, they topped Group C, which featured Jordan's Al-Wehdat, Iran's Sepahan Isfahan, and Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe. In the Round of 16, they won the first leg 1–0 against Jordan's Al-Hussein Irbid, lost the second leg by the same score, and advanced with a 3–0 shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they drew both legs 1–1 with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and advanced 5–4 on penalties. Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu is hoping to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in the UAE. Sharjah currently sit second in the UAE Pro League with 41 points, eight behind leaders Shabab Al-Ahli. They have qualified for the UAE President's Cup final — where they will face Shabab Al-Ahli — but were eliminated from the Abu Dhabi Bank Cup after a semifinal loss. Al-Taawoun currently lie seventh place in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with 37 points.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Taawoun eye continental glory in AFC Champions League Two
AUSTRALIA: Wolves Park may not have the grandeur of other stadiums in Saudi Arabia, but it lacks nothing when it comes to drama — especially in Al-Taawoun's run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals. The 6,000-capacity stadium on the northern edges of Buraidah will on Tuesday host arguably the biggest game in the team's history, 2019 King's Cup final aside. This is just the fourth time they have featured in Asian competition. While the ACL Two may be second tier, behind the AFC Champions League Elite, the new continental format means it is far more prestigious than its former incarnation, the AFC Cup. After topping their group with five wins from six, Al-Taawoun faced Qatar's Al-Wakrah in the Round of 16. After 2-2 draws across both legs, penalties decided the outcome — with Al-Taawoun advancing 4-3 after a thrilling climax in front of a raucous home crowd. The drama of that night was not only matched but surpassed when they faced Iranian side Tractor in the quarterfinal. After a scoreless game in Iran, Al-Taawoun were confident of victory in front of a capacity crowd at Wolves Park. A see-sawing battle ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with both sides scoring again in extra time. Once more, penalties would test the nerves of the Al-Taawoun faithful who packed the stands. Reserve goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah, deputizing for the injured Mailson, pulled off a huge save to deny Sajjad Ashouri and help his club through to a continental semifinal. It was a moment that reduced interim coach Mohammed Al-Abdali to tears, pictured sitting in the center circle long after the final whistle had blown, as he took in the enormity of the moment. The rest of the ground was filled with wild celebrations. 'I thank the Al-Taawoun fans and promise them that we won't stop at this stage, we will continue until the end,' 51-year-old Al-Abdali said afterwards. Following that entree, admission to the 6,000-capacity stadium will be the hottest ticket in town on Tuesday. Another full house is expected as the boutique venue hosts the first leg of the semi-final against UAE powerhouse Sharjah FC, with fans eyeing another slice of history. If Al-Taawoun win the semifinal, a trip to either Singapore or Australia awaits. The ACL Two's rotation policy means this year's final will be hosted by the winner of the East Zone — either Singapore's Lion City Sailors or Australia's Sydney FC. For a club the size of Al-Taawoun, the chance of a continental final rarely comes around. This might be their only opportunity for some time. The new structure means the top three finishers in the Saudi Pro League qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the King's Cup winners qualify for the AFC Champions League Two. This season, the league's 'Big Five' fill all those spots — the four PIF-owned clubs plus Al-Qadsiah — and with their financial power increasing, it's hard to see a future in which any other club can break in. And with clubs like NEOM SC — coached by Pericles Chamusca, who guided Al-Taawoun to fourth last season — set to join the SPL next year, with all the financial backing they bring, expect it to be even tougher for the smaller clubs, which operate on far smaller budgets, to qualify for Asian competition as they did last season. That's what makes Al-Taawoun's clash with Sharjah over the next two weeks so momentous. Never say never in sport, but this could be their make-or-break chance. After the high of their fourth-placed finish last season, they have come back to the pack this year and currently sit in seventh, nine points behind sixth-placed Al-Shabab. Given the rising quality of the SPL, seventh for a club its size is nothing to be ashamed of, but it does highlight how difficult it will be to match last season's heroics and return to this position in the future. However, after a 2-0 win over Al-Kholood last Friday, Al-Taawoun carry with them confidence and momentum. With the finals of the ACL Elite in Saudi Arabia in just over two weeks, it would be easy for this match to fall under the radar as attention focuses on the country's biggest clubs, stadiums and fan bases. But not in Buraidah. Not among the Al-Taawoun faithful. They'll be at Wolves Park on Tuesday hoping to add another successful chapter to the club's rich history.
Arab News
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi midfielder Mohammed Kanno to miss World Cup qualifier against China through injury
RIYADH: Midfielder Mohammed Kanno will miss the Saudi national team's 2026 World Cup qualifier against China on Thursday but could be available for the match against Japan on Tuesday, coach Herve Renard revealed on Wednesday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport 'Kanno will not be ready for tomorrow's match, just as he wasn't for the Australia game, but we hope he can travel with us to Japan,' the Frenchman said. Kanno picked up an injury playing for his club, Al-Hilal, against Al-Taawoun on Saturday. The Saudis are one of four teams on six points in Group C after six games of the final stage of the Asian qualifiers. With four games left to play, Australia are in second place on seven points and Japan top the group on 16 points. The top two teams from each of the three groups will qualify for the World Cup, while the teams in third and fourth place progress to the play-off phase. 'We expect to perform well,' Renard said of the upcoming double-header. 'There is no pressure on us after the Gulf Cup, and we are still fortunate to have a direct qualification opportunity after our previous matches. Qualification is in our hands and we want to win.' He attributed recent improved performances by China to their Croatian coach, Branko Ivankovic, adding: 'Matches against him were tough when he coached Oman, and tomorrow's match will be no different. China is a well-organized team that excels in attacking transitions and we must be ready for that.' Renard thanked the Saudi fans for ensuring Thursday's clash at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh is a sell-out, and highlighted the important role they play in supporting the players. 'We can't do it alone,' he said. 'We need the fans, they are the foundation of our qualification. We need everyone and we must show our desire and determination to win.' Ivankovic acknowledged Saudi Arabia's superiority ahead of the clash but expressed confidence in his players' ability to get a result. 'Saudi Arabia is one of Asia's top teams,' he said. 'They played against Argentina and defeated them in the World Cup. They have the advantage but we believe in our chances and capabilities and want to complete our mission with a positive result. 'We have prepared well for Thursday's match. We have 15 new players, bringing fresh energy and experience. We know (the Saudis) well — they are an excellent team.' Recalling his previous encounter with Renard, Ivankovic added: 'We faced him when I was with Oman. He is not just a good coach but an outstanding one.' He also had high praise for the injured Kanno, describing him as 'the best Saudi midfielder,' but added: 'It doesn't matter whether he plays or not. We prepare for our opponent with their full squad. That's our approach.'
