Saudi Pro League: Al Taawoun ties Al Fateh, Al Riyadh wins over Al Wehda

Al Taawoun and Al Fateh played out a 1-1 draw in their season-opening Saudi Pro League game on Sunday, while Al Riyadh beat Al Wehda 1-0 at home in a winning return to the top-flight.
At the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, hosts Al Fateh drew first blood through Firas al-Buraikan, who calmy slotted home after being played through one-on-one by a delightful pass from Sofiane Bendebka.
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In added time towards the end of the first half, Al Taawoun’s Brazilian midfielder Andrei Girotto got on the end of a corner and fired a towering header into the net to level the game.
Al Fateh had a penalty denied by VAR in the 94th minute of the game, but neither side was able to find a winner in the second half as the contest ended in a draw.
Al Taawoun and Al Fateh finished fifth and sixth respectively last season, and both clubs will be hoping to improve on their performances and secure qualification for the AFC Champions League.
In Sunday’s other match, Zimbabwean attacker Knowledge Musona scored on his debut for Al Riyadh, finishing off a swift counter attack in clinical fashion in the 17th minute.
It was far from smooth sailing for Al Riyadh, however, as Al Wehda peppered their goal with 19 shots in the game, eight of which were on target, but the newly-promoted side held on to earn victory.
Al Riyadh are one of four clubs to have been promoted to the Saudi top flight, which has increased from 16 teams to 18 this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who won the Arab Club Champions Cup title on Saturday, face Al Ettifaq on Monday after Al Hilal play Abha.
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