Al Hazem 2-3 Al Fateh: Late Bendebka Strike Seals Thrilling Saudi Pro League Win

Al Fateh claimed a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Al Hazem in the Saudi Professional League on Thursday, 15 October 2026, with Sofiane Bendebka scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute at Al-Hazem Club Stadium. In a match that swung from comfortable control to tense recovery and finally late heartbreak for the hosts, Al Fateh showed the sharper edge in the final third and left Ar Rass with all three points.

The result gives Al Fateh a valuable boost in the Saudi Pro League standings, while Al Hazem are left to rue a spirited second-half comeback that ultimately came without reward. It was a five-goal contest that delivered everything expected from a top-flight Saudi league fixture: early pressure, tactical shifts, individual quality, and a finish that kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle.

Match Overview

Al Fateh began the night with intent, pressing high and forcing Al Hazem into hurried clearances. The visitors’ 4-3-3 shape allowed their wide forwards to isolate the full-backs, and that approach paid off inside the opening quarter-hour. Mourad Batna opened the scoring in the 12th minute, cutting in from the right and curling a left-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper after a quick exchange on the edge of the box.

Al Hazem tried to respond through direct runs and set pieces, but Al Fateh’s midfield trio controlled the rhythm. The second goal arrived in the 34th minute when Djaniny timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross and converted from close range. At 2-0, the away side looked in command, but Al Hazem found a lifeline deep in first-half stoppage time. Karim El Berkaoui reacted first to a loose ball in the area and stabbed it home in the 45+2nd minute to make it 2-1 at the break.

The second half was a different contest. Al Hazem pushed their wingers higher and began to win second balls in midfield. Their persistence was rewarded in the 67th minute when substitute Nawaf Al-Rashidi finished a flowing move with a low strike into the far corner, sending the home supporters into full voice and setting up a tense final 20 minutes.

Key Moments

• 12’ – Al Fateh goal: Mourad Batna curls a left-footed shot into the bottom corner after a neat one-two on the right side.
• 34’ – Al Fateh goal: Djaniny converts a dangerous low cross from six yards out, doubling the visitors’ lead.
• 45+2’ – Al Hazem goal: Karim El Berkaoui pounces on a half-cleared ball and finishes sharply from inside the penalty area.
• 67’ – Al Hazem goal: Nawaf Al-Rashidi equalises with a composed finish after Al Hazem’s best passing sequence of the match.
• 78’ – Al Fateh goal: Sofiane Bendebka arrives late in the box and drills a first-time shot past the goalkeeper for the winner.
• 85’ – Al Hazem penalty appeal: The hosts claim a handball, but the referee waves play on after a brief check.
• 90+4’ – Late save: Al Fateh’s goalkeeper preserves the win with a strong stop at the near post from a close-range header.

Tactical Story

Al Fateh’s victory was built on better control in central areas. Their midfield rotated well, with Bendebka and his partners circulating the ball quickly to avoid Al Hazem’s pressing traps. The visitors also attacked with purpose down the flanks, targeting the space behind Al Hazem’s advanced full-backs. Batna’s movement was particularly difficult to handle, and Djaniny’s positioning between the centre-backs kept the home defence from stepping up confidently.

Al Hazem, by contrast, started too passively. Their 4-2-3-1 setup left gaps between the defensive line and midfield, and Al Fateh exploited those spaces in the first half. The half-time adjustment brought more urgency. Al Hazem’s wide players began to pin back Al Fateh’s full-backs, and the introduction of fresh legs in midfield added energy. The equaliser was no accident: for a 20-minute spell, Al Hazem were the better side.

But the decisive moment came from Al Fateh’s ability to regain composure. After conceding twice, they slowed the tempo, drew Al Hazem forward, and then struck on the counter. Bendebka’s late run into the box was the kind of movement that separates teams in tight Saudi Pro League matches, and his finish was clinical.

Standout Players

• Mourad Batna (Al Fateh): Opened the scoring and remained the most dangerous attacker on the pitch, constantly dragging defenders out of position.
• Sofiane Bendebka (Al Fateh): Controlled the midfield and delivered the match-winning goal with a perfectly timed late run.
• Djaniny (Al Fateh):