Zambia international Fashion Sakala was among the goals but could not help Al-Fayha FC as they suffered a 2-1 Saudi Pro League defeat against Abha Club at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium on Monday night.
It was Cameroon international Karl Toko Ekambi, who scored the opener for Abha in the 36th minute for a 1-0 lead at the half-time break. In the 63rd minute, Ahmed Abdu Ahmed Jaber added Abha’s second before the Chipolopolo star reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
Sakala, who moved to Al-Fahya from Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, has now scored three goals from four matches and provided one assist. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad held on to their place at the top of the Saudi Pro League after beating Al-Wehda 3-0 on Monday night, despite losing captain Karim Benzema to injury.
Second-half strikes from Romarinho, Jota, and Igor Coronado sealed the win for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Al-Ittihad have been heavily linked with a big-money move for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in recent days, and their difficulty in breaking down Al-Wehda in the first half of this game possibly showed why.
Benzema was forced off before half-time, receiving a strapping to his thigh as he sat in the Al-Ittihad dugout. The French striker netted four goals in his first seven appearances for the reigning league champions but could now be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Al-Ittihad are back in action on Friday when they host Al-Hilal, who boast Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and Neymar among their playing squad, and currently sit second in the league table.