Al-Shabab will kickstart its new season of the Saudi Pro League with an opening-round fixture against Al-Akhdoud.
Al-Shabab will kickstart its new season of the Saudi Pro League with an opening-round fixture against Al-Akhdoud. The hosts are aiming to challenge for the domestic title this term. While Akhdoud is back at this level after gaining promotion in the 2022-23 term.
Al-Shabab finished in fourth place in the 2022-23 campaign. However, this time the White Lions will be looking to break into the top three this time around. But, that may prove to be a very difficult task. Marcel Keizer’s men face the likes of N’Golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in their quest for Pro League glory, with Al Hilal and Al Ittihad spending significant amounts of money on incomings this summer. Al Shabab was superb in front of their own supporters last term. They collected 32 points from 15 league matches at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. The White Lions have lifted Saudi Arabia’s top-division title on three occasions. But their last was 11 years ago back in the 2011-12 campaign when the league was less renowned worldwide.
On the other hand, Al Akhdoud is joining the Saudi Pro League at one of the most crucial junctures. After ending their stay in the second tier, Akhdoud gained a crucial promotion by finishing third in the last campaign. Manager Jorge Mendonca joined the club in July 2022 and has enjoyed turning his group of players into a side who are ready to battle some of world football’s biggest stars over the next 10 months. The Najran-based team were the second tier’s most-prolific attack last term. A match between both these groups will be very interesting to watch.
Kim, Sagourq, Al-Rubaie, Altambakti, Alsebyani, Sharahili, Cuellar, Monassar, Al-Jawaey, Bahbri, Banega
Vitor, Faraj, Kverkvelia, Burca, Al Mansour, Tanase, Collado, Al Rabaei, Pedroza, Jamhoor, Mostafa
| Opponents | Score |
| Al-Hilal | 3-1 (L) |
| Al-Wahda | 0-0 (W) (p.s.o. 5-4) |
| Monastir | 1-0 (W) |
| Zamalek | 1-0 (W) |
| Al-Nassr | 0-0 (D) |
| Opponents | Score |
| Najran | 4-1 (W) |
| Al Sahel SC | 3-2 (L) |
| Al Qaisumah | 3-1 (W) |
| Al Kholood | 2-1 (L) |
| Al Hazem | 0-1 (L) |
Both teams will be meeting in a competitive match for the first time.
The Saudi Pro League match between Al-Shabab and Al-Akhdoud will occur at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium on Monday at 11:30 pm IST.
| Al-Shabab vs Al-Akhdoud | Key Details |
| Date | August 14 (Saudi Arabia) |
| Venue | Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium |
| Kickoff time in the Netherlands | 9:00 pm (Monday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 11:30 pm (Monday) |
Fans in Saudi Arabia can stream the match live on SSC. While those in China can watch the match on QQ Sports Live. However, there will not be any separate telecast in India.
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