Al Najma Snatch Late Draw After Al Khaleej Collapse

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Al Khaleej looked destined for victory when Georgios Masouras broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, finishing clinically after a swift counter-attack caught Al Najma's defense flat-footed. The Greek winger's composed finish into the bottom corner sent the traveling supporters into raptures. Just two minutes later, Joshua King doubled the advantage, capitalizing on defensive hesitation to slot past the exposed goalkeeper and seemingly putting the match beyond reach at 2-0.

Al Najma's response showcased their resilience. Lázaro had earlier ignited hope in the 50th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area that gave Anthony Moris no chance. After falling two goals behind, the home side pressed relentlessly in search of an equalizer, throwing bodies forward as desperation mounted. Their persistence paid dividends when Majed Kanabah received his marching orders in the 93rd minute, leaving Al Khaleej to defend their slender lead with just nine men.

The statistical battle reflected the tactical chess match unfolding on the pitch. Both sides registered six shots on target from their respective 13 and 16 total attempts, while the goalkeepers matched each other with four saves apiece. The teams shared possession almost equally at 51.3%-48.7%, neither able to establish sustained territorial dominance. Al Khaleej's indiscipline proved telling, however, as they accumulated 16 fouls and three yellow cards compared to Al Najma's nine fouls and zero bookings.

The turning point arrived in those chaotic final minutes. Kanabah's red card disrupted Al Khaleej's defensive structure just when they needed organization most. Anthony Moris, already cautioned in the 85th minute, found himself under siege as Al Najma launched wave after wave of attacks. The numerical disadvantage exposed gaps that hadn't existed moments earlier, and Samir exploited them ruthlessly with his late intervention.

Hisham Al Dubais and Ahmad Asiri had entered as 87th-minute substitutes for their respective sides, but neither could influence proceedings before the dramatic finale. Faisal Al Mutairi and Rakan Altulayhi's 81st-minute introductions for Al Najma added fresh legs in the final push, while Mansour Hamzi's 67th-minute appearance for Al Khaleej had aimed to shore up midfield control before the collapse.

Al Najma will host Al Ettifaq on January 8, while Al Khaleej return home to face Damac on the same date.