Sakala dancing in delight as Al Fayha move to cusp of survival | OneFootball

The relief was writ large on Al Fayha faces.

It was soon replaced by joy. By then substituted, Fashion Sakala leapt from the dugout, screamed in delight, embraced those around him and manager Pedro Emanuel, then headed to rejoice with his teammates still out on the pitch.

From there, he led the celebrations at Al Majma’ah Sports City, as well he should. Sakala, like he often has, had proved integral to Al Fayha’s victory, scoring the second goal in Saturday's late, late 2-0 win against Al Okhdood.

Understandably, it felt a decisive triumph. The fight for survival may not have technically run its course, but Al Fayha are practically there.

With two rounds remaining, they sit six points above the drop zone. So the maths are simple: if Al Orobah fail to win at third-placed Al Qadsiah on Tuesday, Al Fayha stay up. Their top-flight status, under significant strain this season, would be secure.

That's why, on Saturday, Al Fayha were in post-match-party mode. It explained Sakala’s dancing in front of the home fans. His beaming smile, too.

“Honestly, I’m very excited, I’m so happy,” the Zambian forward said. “I did a lot of dancing there; I’m even tired now. But I’m so happy for the team.

“Honestly, three points is special for us, special for the team. We really wanted this to make sure we are safe.”

While Al Fayha cannot completely relax, the pressure value has been considerably released.

Below them in the standings, from 12th to 17th and still stuck in the relegation mire, are Damac, Al Kholood, Al Fateh, Al Wehda, Al Orobah and Al Okhdood. Al Raed, of course, are already down.

So, yes, for Al Fayha at least, the stress has lifted. A lot.

“It’s a bit less,” Sakala agreed. “You can see the celebration; the whole entire team and the fans are very happy. We really wanted to get three points to make sure that we stay in this league.

“It’s very special, and this team is very special in this city of Majma’ah.”