Abha Survival Chances Dealt A Blow After Al Shabab Convincly Beat Them in 5-0 Loss
After their 2-1 win over sixth-placed Al Fateh, Abha were in good spirits heading into their contest with Al Shabab. However, they were dealt a serious blow after the hosts came out swinging and defeated them in a 5-0 loss on Thursday evening.
The first half was largely uneventful until the first minute of added time when former Atletico Madrid player Yannick Carrasco scored his first goal. The two teams went into halftime with a solitary goal separating them.
Al Shabab was tidy in possession, maintaining an 88% pass accuracy during the match. They controlled the game and managed a 68% ball possession. Twelve minutes into the second half, Habib Diallo doubled the host’s advantage with the second goal of the match.
A demoralized Abha failed to respond, leaving Al Shabab to cause maximum damage. Brazilian Carlos Junior, who only had two goals in the league this season, doubled his tally in minutes with a brace in the 78th and 84th minutes. Within three minutes of added time, Yannick Carrasco again stepped up to complete his brace.
Abha now sits in 15th place, one point above Al Okhdood, who have played a match less. Al Shabab, who have now lost once in their last five games, sit in ninth position on the Saudi Pro League table.
