KSAsportz report
KHOBAR — In an eagerly anticipated clash on Saturday, Al Qadsiah were held to a 1-1 draw against Damac during Matchweek 11 of the Roshn Saudi Pro League, marking the debut of Northern Irish coach Brendan Rodgers on the Qadsiah bench. This draw brought Al Qadsiah’s total points to 18, securely positioning them in fifth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Damac continues to languish at the bottom with just 6 points, currently in 16th place, as their winless streak extends to nine matches.
Damac shocked the home crowd with a goal just four minutes into the match, as Valentin Vada found the back of the net, catching Al Qadsiah off guard. Nevertheless, the home side responded effectively, applying consistent pressure throughout the first half. Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Mateo Retegui scored a clinical equalizer in the first minute of added time, bringing the match level before the break.
The second half proved challenging for Damac when Abdulrahman Al Khaibari received a red card in the 79th minute, leaving Damac to complete the match with only ten players. Despite having a numerical advantage and controlling the majority of the game, Al Qadsiah failed to capitalize on their opportunities to secure a winning goal.
After the match, Coach Rodgers expressed his disappointment over the result but noted several positive takeaways from his first outing. “It’s not a good result for us, but there were positive signs,” said Rodgers. “We need to continue working on improving both our defensive and attacking phases.”
Rodgers emphasized the necessity for composure in the final third, acknowledging his players’ commitment and intensity. “In the final third, we needed more patience and focus,” he said, praising the fans for their unwavering support. “I saw players fighting to give something back to the fans, who were excellent and very supportive.”
When asked if he was satisfied with the performance despite dropping points, Rodgers stated, “Yes, we lost two points, but we created many chances and controlled the game. That gives us confidence that positive results will come in the next matches.”