Late RSL drama sees Al Wehda relegated, Al Okhdood survive | OneFootball

On the final day of the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League season, and with Al Raed and Al Orobah already relegated to the First Division League, the battle for the last spot outside the drop zone was set to be an intense one.

Yet the drama that ensued could not have been predicted.

Needing victory at Al Ettifaq to remain in the RSL regardless of what happened elsewhere, Al Wehda found themselves a goal down at half-time.

However, it would have mattered little as their direct rivals for survival, Al Okhdood, were being held to a draw in the other game taking place only a few kilometres away at Al Khaleej.

A Konstantinos Fortounis brace for Al Khaleej by the hour-mark meant Al Okhdood were going down, and the Al Wehda faithful breathed a sigh of relief when defender Jawad El Yamiq equalised for them 70 minutes in against Al Ettifaq. At that point, Al Wehda were three points above the relegation zone.

By the time the 90th minute arrived at both games, that outcome was still the same. Al Wehda were level with Al Ettifaq 1-1, while Al Okhdood were 2-1 down to Al Khaleej.

That all changed, though, in added time. First, homegrown hero Saleh Al Abbas equalised for Al Okhdood on 95 minutes. Then, a minute later, Brazilian winger Vitinho bagged the winner for Al Ettifaq. Still, the combination of results would have kept Al Wehda in the league.

Then came one of the most dramatic moments in RSL history. A handball by Al Khaleej defender Bandar Nasser inside the hosts penalty area prompted a lengthy VAR review that ultimately granted Al Okhdood a late, late penalty - and the opportunity to save themselves.

The final whistle had already gone in Dammam, the Al Wehda players gathering around their phones to watch as another Al Okhdood homegrown boy, Mohammed Al Jahif, stepped up.

Despite the incredible pressure, Al Jahif confidently converted to send the entire city of Najran into raptures, extending Al Okhdood’s maiden adventure in the RSL to a third successive season.

Meanwhile, agony was the fate of the Meccans, who will compete in the FDL next season.