In a thrilling match that went down to the wire, Saudi Arabia secured their first victory in the FIFA Asian Qualifier with a 2-1 comeback win over China. The match, played at Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring yellow cards, a controversial red card, and a late brace from Hassan Kadesh.
The game started off with a tense atmosphere, as both teams looked to establish their dominance. Early on, the match was punctuated by yellow cards, indicating the physical nature of the encounter. However, it was China who struck first, as Ali Lajami, the Saudi Arabia defender, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net in the 14th minute.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 19th minute when Mohamed Kanno was shown a red card after a VAR review, leaving Saudi Arabia to play with ten men for the majority of the game. Despite being down a player, the Saudis remained determined and managed to pull one back in the 39th minute through Hassan Kadesh, who headed home a cross from N. Al Dawsari.
The remaining minutes of the first half and the entire second half saw both teams battle it out, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. The match seemed destined to end in a draw until the dying moments of the game. In the 90th minute, Hassan Kadesh once again rose to the occasion, scoring a stunning goal to give Saudi Arabia a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The win was a significant boost for Saudi Arabia’s hopes of qualifying for the next stage of the FIFA World Cup. It also showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of the Saudi team, who refused to give up despite facing adversity. China, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the defeat, but they will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic in the FIFA Asian Qualifier. The late comeback and the controversial red card made for a captivating spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
