Al Najma and Al Hazem Share the Spoils in Thrilling Saudi Professional League Encounter

Al Najma (KSA) 2 – 2 Al Hazem
Date: May 10, 2026 | Venue: Al Najma Club Stadium

A dramatic late equaliser from Al Hazem ensured a share of the spoils in a pulsating Saudi Professional League clash at the Al Najma Club Stadium on Sunday morning. The hosts, looking to climb away from the relegation zone, twice took the lead but were pegged back each time, leaving both sides with a single point that does little to ease their respective concerns in the mid-table battle.

Match Overview

The encounter was played under clear skies and in front of a passionate home crowd. Al Najma started brightly, using the width of the pitch to stretch an Al Hazem defence that has been suspect away from home this season. The home side’s high press forced early turnovers, and it was from one such mistake that the opening goal arrived in the 14th minute. A slick combination down the left flank ended with a low cross that was turned home by striker Fahad Al-Malki to give Al Najma a deserved lead.

Al Hazem responded well, gradually taking control of midfield. Their equaliser came in the 34th minute when a corner was only partially cleared, and the ball fell to Mohammed Al-Qarni, who volleyed emphatically into the top corner. The score remained 1-1 at the break.

Second Half Drama

The second half followed a similar pattern. Al Najma regained the lead early in the 54th minute through a well‑worked set‑piece. Winger Hassan Al-Dossari whipped in a free‑kick that found the head of centre‑back Abdulaziz Al-Khaibari, who powered his effort past the goalkeeper. The home crowd erupted, sensing a vital victory.

However, Al Hazem showed resilience. They pushed forward in numbers and created several half‑chances. The equaliser eventually came in the 82nd minute. A long‑ball forward was flicked on, and substitute Yousef Al-Harbi raced clear to slot past the advancing Al Najma goalkeeper.

Tactical Insights

Al Najma’s game plan revolved around exploiting the flanks and delivering crosses into the box. They succeeded in that regard, scoring from a cross and a set‑piece. But defensively, they were caught out by the speed of Al Hazem’s transitions. The visitors, under pressure to avoid a third straight defeat, showed character to fight back twice.

Standout Performers

• Fahad Al-Malki (Al Najma): Constant menace in the final third, scored one and created chances.
• Mohammed Al-Qarni (Al Hazem): Scored the first equaliser with a superb volley and was influential in midfield.
• Yousef Al-Harbi (Al Hazem): Impactful substitute, netting the crucial late goal.

Table Impact

The draw leaves Al Najma in 12th place with 28 points from 24 matches, still just three points above the relegation play‑off spot. Al Hazem remain 14th with 23 points, dangerously close to the automatic relegation places. Both teams will view this as a missed opportunity to gain separation from the bottom three.