Late RSL drama sees Al Wehda relegated, Al Okhdood endure

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

Yet the drama that occurred might not have actually been predicted.

Needing triumph at Al Ettifaq to remain in the RSL despite what took place in other places, Al Wehda found themselves an objective down at half-time.

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

Juninho Bacuna looks dejected after Al Wehda transfer A Konstantinos Fortounis brace for Al Khaleej by the hour-mark suggested Al Okhdood were decreasing, and the Al Wehda faithful breathed a sigh of relief when defender Jawad El Yamiq equalised for them 70 minutes in versus Al Ettifaq. At that point, Al Wehda were 3 points above the transfer zone.

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

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

Al Okhdood players celebrate after beating Al Khaleej RSL MW34 Then came one of the most dramatic minutes in RSL history. A handball by Al Khaleej defender Bandar Nasser inside the hosts penalty location triggered a lengthy VAR review that ultimately granted Al Okhdood a late, late charge – and the opportunity to save themselves.

The last whistle had actually currently entered Dammam, the Al Wehda players collecting around their phones to watch as another Al Okhdood homegrown boy, Mohammed Al Jahif, stepped up.

Regardless of the incredible pressure, Al Jahif confidently converted to send the entire city of Najran into raptures, extending Al Okhdood’s first experience in the RSL to a third succeeding season.

On the other hand, agony was the fate of the Meccans, who will complete in the FDL next season.

Abdullah Radif consoles Jawad El Yamiq after Al Wehda’s relegation