Match summary

Al-Kholood - Al-Taawoun FC : 3-2 Al-Kholood struck first through Edgaras Utkus on 20:30, set up by John Buckley, before Iker Kortajarena made it 2-0 at 29:33. A VAR-backed penalty arrived late in the half, but Utkus saw his spot-kick saved, only for Shaquille Pinas to fire in at 45+3 to put it 3-0 at the break. Al-Taawoun dominated possession (61%) and finally hit back as Abderazak Hamdallah scored at 51:01, assisted by Younes El Bahraoui. Hamdallah then struck again in stoppage time (90+2) from a Marin Petkov assist, but the late surge fell short as Al-Kholood held on.

Man of the match

Key player : Shaquille Pinas (Al-Kholood) : Scored Al-Kholood's third goal in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-0. That strike proved to be the match-winner as Al-Taawoun FC fought back with two second-half goals. With the final score ending 3-2, Pinas' finish delivered the decisive cushion that secured the victory.

Conclusion

Al-Kholood looked in full control at halftime, and despite a strong second-half response from Al-Taawoun FC, Pinas' timely strike ensured the hosts had just enough margin to see the game out.