Match Report:
NEOM S.C. Return to Winning Ways with Home Victory Over Al Najmah

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – December 26, 2025 – NEOM S.C. regained their winning momentum in the Roshn Saudi League, claiming three valuable points that strengthened their place among the top six with 17 points.

The home side secured a 2–1 victory over Al Najmah thanks to goals from Nathan Zézé and Khalifah Al Dawsari, while a late concession did not alter the final result.

Head coach Christophe Galtier started the match with Luís Maximiano in goal, supported by Khalifah Al Dawsari, Ahmed Hegazi, Nathan Zézé, and Fares Abdi. The midfield featured Amadou Koné, Hassan Al Ali, and Abdoulaye Doucouré, while Saïd Benrahma, Alexandre Lacazette, and Ahmed Abdu led the attack.

Beyond the result, the match marked the long-awaited return of captain Salman Al-Faraj after a lengthy injury absence, as well as the comeback of defender Ahmed Hegazy.

First Half

The visitors attempted to threaten NEOM S.C.’s goal in the opening minutes, but their attacks lacked real danger. NEOM S.C.’s first clear attempts came after the 10th minute through efforts from Ahmed Abdu and Nathan Zézé.

The most notable chance arrived in the 17th minute when Hassan Al Ali fired a powerful shot that was well saved by Al Najmah’s goalkeeper. In the 25th minute, Fares Abdi delivered a pass to Ahmed Abdu, whose shot narrowly missed the post.

Said Benrahma then set up Alexandre Lacazette in the 31st minute, but the French striker’s effort struck the crossbar. NEOM S.C. continued to dominate possession and tempo, creating further chances, including a late header from Ahmed Hegazi and a shot from Abdullah Doucouré, both denied before the halftime whistle.

Second Half

The second half began at a calmer pace, with Fares Abdi receiving a yellow card in the 51st minute. NEOM S.C. soon increased the pressure, coming close through a header from Ahmed Abdu that was again saved by Al Najmah goalkeeper Braga.

In the 54th minute, NEOM S.C. finally broke the deadlock as Nathan Zézé found the back of the net, giving the hosts a deserved lead and greater control of the match.

Al Najmah attempted to respond, but their efforts remained limited and lacked real threat. In the 75th minute, Galtier introduced Thamer Al Khaibri and Alaa Hejji, replacing Ahmed Abdu and Said Benrahma to add fresh energy.

NEOM S.C. remained dangerous on the counter, with Lacazette hitting the crossbar once again in the 83rd minute. Just one minute before the end of normal time, defender Khalifah doubled NEOM S.C.’s advantage with a well-taken finish following an assist from Alaa Heji.

During stoppage time, Al Najmah earned a penalty and managed to reduce the deficit, but the final whistle confirmed a deserved 2–1 victory for NEOM S.C.

The win sees NEOM S.C. maintain their upward momentum in the league standings, combining a strong performance with the positive return of key players.