Fatih Terim’s Al Shabab continued their perfect home run since his appointment as new manager with a last-minute 2-1 victory against Al Fayha in Matchweek 17 of the Roshn Saudi League.
Striker Abderrazak Hamdallah got both goals as he continued his march towards the RSL all-time top-scorer accolade, with only seven goals separating him now from Omar Al Somah’s record of 144 goals. Al Somah returned to the RSL earlier this month having joined Al Orobah.
“We started the match very well. We started with five at the back but as the game progressed, we changed into four defenders without changing the personnel,” said Terim after the win, his second in a row at Al Shabab Club Stadium.
“Our performance dropped a bit in the second half, especially after conceding the equaliser, but we managed to get the all-important three points. My objective is to continue winning and build towards more consistent performances, retaining the same rhythm for 90 minutes.”
Appointed last month, Terim enjoyed a pre-match embrace and reunion with his former player Henry Onyekuru. The Nigerian, returning from injury and starting on the bench for Al Fayha, played under Terim at Galatasaray from 2018 to 2021.
With his side plagued with injuries, Terim focused on the positives, insisting the squad would be bolstered with the return of Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco. However, he remained uncertain about whether new signings will arrive with the winter transfer window shutting on Friday.
“We had some injuries, but hopefully ahead of the next game we will have Yannick Carrasco back and with other players returning from injuries," Terim said. "And hopefully some new signings, [so] we should have more options for the next game.
"There are just a few days left in the transfer window, and I know the club is working hard on signings. But, regardless of what happens, I promise we will work hard.”
Terim’s men currently sit sixth in the table and face a trip to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq next, with only six points separating them from fourth place and potentially a place in the AFC Champions League Two heading into the second half of the season.
