Match Report:
NEOM S.C. Shows Promise in Historic Saudi Pro League Debut Despite Narrow Defeat

NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – August 29, 2025 – NEOM S.C. made an encouraging debut in the Roshn Saudi Pro League, showing resilience and flashes of attacking quality despite a narrow 1–0 loss to Al-Ahli in front of 40,000 fans at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah.

French striker Alexandre Lacazette appeared to have snatched a dramatic late equalizer for NEOM S.C., but the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review. Nevertheless, the team delivered a strong second-half performance that hinted at the team’s potential in the top flight.

First Half Summary

Al-Ahli, playing at home, started aggressively and earned an early corner in the 2nd minute, which was cleared by Abdulmalik Al-Ayyeri. Fares Abdi impressed early on with a key clearance in the 3rd minute.

NEOM’s first notable chance came in the 7th minute with a counter-attack led by Doucouré, though the move fizzled out before reaching the final third. Defensively, NEOM S.C. looked solid with Mohammed Al-Dawsari and Abdi thwarting Al-Ahli’s attacks around the 12th minute.

Saimon Bouabre emerged as NEOM S.C.’s liveliest player, sparking several counters. A promising spell in the 22nd minute saw captain Ahmed Hegazi rise for a header that narrowly missed the target.

Al-Ahli took the lead in the 24th minute, breaking the NEOM S.C. offside trap. After a VAR review, the goal was confirmed. Despite conceding, S.C. maintained composure — Fares Abdi again intervening in the 26th minute with an alert clearance.

Bouabre was again instrumental in the 35th minute, calming a frantic moment in the S.C. box. Goalkeeper Marcin Bułka made a vital save to deny Ivan Toney’s strike in the 40th minute.

Just before the break, Al-Ayyeri picked up a yellow card after recovering from an earlier knock sustained in a challenge with Ibanez.

Second Half Highlights

NEOM S.C. came out with more intent in the second half. Within a minute, Bouabre launched a promising attack, combining with Doucouré and Benrahma, resulting in a free kick near the box that Benrahma fired off target.

In the 50th minute, Lacazette tested Al-Ahli keeper Édouard Mendy with a powerful effort that earned a corner. Moments later, Hegazi received a yellow card for halting a dangerous counter.

Bouabre remained central to the S.C. attacking efforts, with Al-Ayyeri forcing a strong save from Mendy in the 59th minute. Hegazi and Doucouré were crucial in disrupting Al-Ahli’s push for a second goal around the hour mark. Amadou Koné tried his luck from long range in the 66th minute, followed by another speculative effort from Benrahma.

Substitutions and Final Push

• 69’: Galtier made his first changes, introducing Ali Al-Asmari and Hussein Al-Ali for Al-Ayyeri and Doucouré.
• 73’: Simon nearly equalized with a well-struck shot that Mendy parried.
• 85’: Galtier brought on Abdulaziz Noor for Benrahma.
• 88’: Al-Asmari forced a double save from Mendy in what was NEOM’s best chance of the match.
• 90’: Lacazette found the net and appeared to have rescued a point for NEOM, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
• 90+5’: Abbas Al-Hassan replaced Koné and was booked shortly after entering.

S.C. captain Hegazi made a crucial intervention to snuff out a final Al-Ahli counter before the referee blew for full time.

Starting Lineup 

Head coach Christophe Galtier fielded the following starting XI for NEOM S.C.’s first-ever top-tier appearance:

• Goalkeeper: Marcin Bułka
• Defenders: Khalifah Al-Dawsari, Ahmed Hegazi (captain), Mohammed Al-Dawsari, Fares Abdi
• Midfielders: Abdulmalik Al-Ayyeri, Amadou Koné, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Simon Bouabry
• Forwards: Saïd Benrahma, Alexandre Lacazette

Final Thoughts

Despite the loss, NEOM S.C. left a strong impression in their debut outing. With standout performances from Bouabre, Hegazi, and Bułka, the team showcased defensive organization, counter-attacking threat, and composure under pressure—building a solid foundation for the season ahead.