Match Report:
NEOM S.C. Defeats Al-Okhdood for Historic First Home Win

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – September 18, 2025 – NEOM SC continued their impressive start to life in the Roshn Saudi Pro League, securing a second consecutive win to reach six points from their first three matches, moving to 5th in the league.

The victory, a first-ever home win for the club, came against Al-Okhdood, hosted at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk, marking NEOM SC’s debut on home soil. The match was decided by a powerful strike from Abdulmalik Al-Ayyeri in the 28th minute, building on the team’s previous win over Damac.

First Half: Early Pressure and the Breakthrough

NEOM SC started fast, pushing forward early. In the 2nd minute, Abdulaziz Noor found the net but was flagged offside. Sustained pressure followed, resulting in a corner that ended with a foul on Luciano Rodríguez.

In the 7th minute, Amadou Koné unleashed a strong shot from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the left post. The pace slowed slightly, with both teams sharing possession and Al-Okhdood creating only half chances.

NEOM SC regained control around the 20th minute when Simon Bouabry nearly broke through with a solo run, only to misplace the final touch and concede a goal kick. In the 23rd minute, NEOM SC earned a free kick on the left flank. Abdulmalik Al-Ayyeri headed the cross toward goal, but the Al-Okhdood goalkeeper made a strong save.

Just minutes later, Al-Ayyeri was involved again, winning another free kick on the opposite side. Abdulaziz Noor delivered a lofted cross that was met by Abdoulaye Doucouré, but the header lacked power.

Then came the breakthrough: in the 28th minute, NEOM SC struck with a brilliant team move, as Al-Ayyeri hammered home a powerful shot from just outside the box after receiving a pinpoint assist from Doucouré.

In the 32nd minute, Amadou Koné again tested the Al-Okhdood keeper with a strong shot that was turned away for a corner.

Al-Okhdood pushed forward as the half neared its end but were unable to find an equaliser. Multiple fouls and stoppages disrupted the flow.

Just before halftime, Fares Abdi made a crucial interception to deny an Al-Okhdood attack, and moments later, Gökhan Gül fired a long-range effort narrowly wide.

Second Half: Defensive Control and Game Management

NEOM SC came out aggressively, creating two early second-half chances that caused chaos in Al-Okhdood’s box but didn’t result in a goal.

In the 51st minute, Abdoulaye Doucouré was shown a yellow card after a midfield challenge.

A minute later, Abdulaziz Noor nearly doubled NEOM SC’s lead with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box — only to be denied by the crossbar. At minute 54, Ahmed Hegazi rose highest for a header inside the box, forcing another save from the Al-Okhdood keeper.

Al-Okhdood stepped up their attack in search of an equaliser. Hegazi cleared a key chance in the 64th minute, followed by Luis Maximiano stopping a shot a minute later. In the 74th minute, manager Christophe Galtier brought on Ali Al-Asmari to replace Noor.

Despite Al-Okhdood’s pressure, NEOM SC’s defense stood tall — with vital interventions by Fares Abdi, Maximiano, and Nathan Zézé to clear an Al-Okhdood corner.

In the 83rd minute, Maximiano showed excellent timing to collect a dangerous cross. Simon Bouabry was subbed off in the 85th minute for Hassan Al Ali.

A minute later, Al-Ayyeri tried his luck again from range, but his shot was blocked by the Al-Okhdood defense. He was then booked in the 87th minute.

In the final minutes, Luciano Rodríguez and Doucouré made way for Abbas Al Hassan and Mohammed Al Buraik. In stoppage time (90+3), Pedroza of Al-Okhdood received a second yellow card and was sent off after a late challenge on Amadou Koné.

NEOM SC earned a late free kick just outside the box. Mohammed Al Buraik stepped up and hit a fierce right-footed shot, forcing a difficult save from the Al-Okhdood keeper.

The final whistle blew soon after sealing a 1–0 win for NEOM SC and delivering another confidence-boosting result in their debut season.