Diraiyah 1-2 Neom SC: Late Al-Harbi strike seals away win in Saudi Professional League

Neom SC claimed a 2-1 away victory over Diraiyah in the Saudi Professional League on Friday, 30 October 2026, with Salem Al-Harbi scoring a late winner. The result rewards Neom’s second-half control and adds another important away performance to their season.

Diraiyah took an early lead and defended stubbornly for much of the match, but Neom’s persistence and superior possession eventually paid off. The visitors equalised midway through the second half before finding the decisive goal eight minutes from time.

Match overview

Diraiyah started with real energy and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Abdulrahman Al-Ghamdi headed home from a corner. The hosts then dropped deeper, looking to protect their advantage and threaten on the counterattack. Neom SC saw plenty of the ball but struggled to break down a compact defensive block in the first half.

The equaliser arrived in the 54th minute when Karim Bensalem received the ball on the edge of the area, shifted onto his left foot and curled a fine effort into the far corner. Neom continued to dominate possession and were rewarded in the 82nd minute when Al-Harbi arrived at the back post to convert a low cross. Diraiyah pushed for a late equaliser, but Neom managed the closing minutes well.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Al-Ghamdi heads Diraiyah into the lead from a corner.
• 54th minute: Bensalem equalises for Neom with a curling strike from the edge of the box.
• 69th minute: Diraiyah’s goalkeeper makes a strong save to keep the score level.
• 82nd minute: Al-Harbi scores the winner for Neom SC at the back post.
• 90+4th minute: Neom clear a late free-kick to secure the three points.

Tactical story

Diraiyah’s plan was clear: defend in a mid-to-low block, protect the central areas and use set pieces to create chances. It worked for long periods, especially in the first half, and their opening goal came from exactly that route. However, the hosts struggled to keep possession when they won the ball back, which allowed Neom to build sustained pressure.

Neom’s midfield trio controlled the tempo after the break, switching play from side to side and drawing Diraiyah out of their defensive shape. The equaliser forced the hosts to re-think, and the space created by their attempts to press higher eventually led to the winning goal.

Standout players

Bensalem was Neom’s most influential attacking player, combining intelligent movement with a decisive equalising goal. Al-Harbi’s late run and finish showed excellent awareness, while Neom’s midfield deserves credit for maintaining control under pressure. For Diraiyah, Al-Ghamdi’s header and the goalkeeper’s second-half save were the highlights of a disciplined but ultimately frustrating night.

League impact

The three points strengthen Neom SC’s position in the Saudi Professional League and highlight their ability to win away from home against organised opposition. Diraiyah remain competitive, but dropping points after taking the lead will sting. In a league where fine margins often decide the race for the top places, Neom’s late winner could prove significant.