Al Qadsiah Move Top of Saudi Pro League as Al Hilal and Al Nassr Fixtures Are Postponed
Al Qadsiah seized a valuable opportunity to climb to the top of the Saudi Roshn League, defeating Abha 2-1 at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. The result lifted the home side to 22 points after nine rounds and gave them sole possession of first place, one point ahead of Al Hilal.
The victory came at a significant moment in the title race. Al Hilal’s scheduled trip to Al Riyadh has been postponed until December, while Al Nassr’s meeting with Al Ahli has also been delayed, with the fixture now set to take place in March. Those rearrangements left both title contenders unable to respond during the current round, opening the door for Al Qadsiah to move clear at the summit.
Retegui and Abu Al-Shamat Deliver for Al Qadsiah
Al Qadsiah made their advantage count with a composed performance, taking the lead in the 30th minute through Italian striker Mateo Retegui. The goal began with a precise pass from Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who found Retegui in a dangerous position. The forward controlled the opportunity and fired a right-footed shot into the net to put the hosts ahead.
The opening goal rewarded Al Qadsiah’s attacking intent and gave them a platform to manage the match. Retegui’s movement and finishing provided a consistent threat, while Reijnders’ contribution underlined the importance of midfield creativity in breaking down Abha’s defence. For a team chasing the league’s leading sides, that combination could prove important well beyond this single result.
Al Qadsiah doubled their lead in the 69th minute. Retegui helped create the chance by dropping the ball into the area, where Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat reacted quickly. The midfielder struck with his left foot, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and giving the home team a two-goal cushion.
Abha continued to fight and eventually found a late consolation. French forward Alimami Gory scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The late goal added tension to the closing moments, but Al Qadsiah held on to secure all three points.
Postponements Reshape the League Table
Al Qadsiah’s rise to first place reflects both their own result and an unusual round of scheduling. Al Hilal, who began the period ahead of their rivals, could not take the field against Al Riyadh because their match was moved to December. As a result, they remain on 21 points, one behind the new leaders, though their postponed fixture gives them a future opportunity to make up ground.
Al Nassr also missed the chance to influence the standings after their match against Al Ahli was postponed until March. The delay means the table may not tell the full story of the title race for some time. Teams with games in hand can still change the order, but those fixtures also bring added pressure: they must be converted into points when they are eventually played.
For Al Qadsiah, the immediate benefit is clear. They have moved into first place on merit by winning their match, and they can now approach the next round with the confidence that comes from leading the competition. At the same time, the narrow gap to Al Hilal means there is little room for complacency.
What the Result Means for Al Qadsiah’s Title Prospects
A 2-1 win may not be as emphatic as a large-margin victory, but it can be just as valuable in a closely contested league. Al Qadsiah showed they could build a lead through well-timed attacking moves and protect it under pressure. Abha’s late goal also serves as a reminder that matches are not settled until the final whistle, particularly when opponents continue to push forward.
The performance offered several encouraging signs for the hosts. Retegui was directly involved in both goals, combining a clinical finish with an important contribution to the second. Abu Al-Shamat demonstrated the value of midfielders arriving in the penalty area, while Reijnders supplied the quality needed to turn possession into a clear scoring opportunity.
Consistency will now be the key test. A team can reach the top after one strong result, but staying there requires sustained performances across a demanding schedule. Al Qadsiah will need to maintain their attacking sharpness while limiting late chances for opponents—an area highlighted by Gory’s stoppage-time strike.
Saudi Pro League Prediction: A Tight Race Ahead
Any early-season football prediction about the Saudi Roshn League title must account for the postponed matches. Al Qadsiah currently hold the advantage in the table, but Al Hilal have a game in hand and remain close behind. Al Nassr’s delayed meeting with Al Ahli could also affect the standings once it is played, while other contenders will be looking to take advantage of any dropped points.
For now, Al Qadsiah have earned the spotlight. Their 2-1 victory over Abha sent them to the top, with Retegui and Abu Al-Shamat providing the decisive moments. The postponements have added an unusual twist to the campaign, but the immediate message is straightforward: Al Qadsiah are leading the Saudi Pro League, and their rivals must wait for their rescheduled matches before they can answer.
