“Survival Specialist” Noureddine Ben Zekri Pulls off Great Escape on Final Day of the Season as Al Okhdood Wins Away to Al Tai

When Noureddine Ben Zekri took charge of Al Okhdood, the Algerian national was expected to work his ‘Survival Specialist’ magic. His impressive track record of avoiding relegation with Damac, Al Fayha, and Al Raed in the past was a testament to his abilities. True to form, Al Okhdood, under his leadership, secured a 2-0 victory against Al Tai, finishing in 15th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

Starting matchday 34 in 17th place, Al Okhdood had their work cut out as they traveled to fellow relegation candidates, Al Tai.

With all to play for, the match started as a feisty affair, with the first yellow card shown in the 10th minute when Al Tai’s Naif Asiri got cautioned for a foul.

Al Okhdood had several saved or off-target attempts for most of the first half. It was not until the 42nd minute when Savior Godwin latched onto a cross from a corner and made no mistakes, putting Al Okhdood ahead.

Al Okhdood started the second half with the same intensity, and Léandre Tawamba extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from a set piece. The rest of the match was a testament to Al Okhdood’s defensive prowess, as they neutralized Al Tai’s attempts to fight back. At the final whistle, celebrations erupted, and Noureddine Ben Zekri was at the center of it all, sprinting across the pitch as his players mobbed him in recognition of his masterclass.