Al Somah v Hamdallah: How the battle for RSL all-time record has ramped up

Abderrazak Hamdallah departed with the match ball and a smile as wide as the gap at the top of this particular statistic had narrowed.

The Al Shabab striker had hit a hat-trick in the 5-1 victory against Al Khaleej in Riyadh on Thursday night, not only hauling himself very much into the race for this season’s goal boot but drawing to within grasp a momentous mark.

The treble hoisted Hamdallah to 141 goals in an already legendary Roshn Saudi League career, winching the Moroccan to three of Omar Al Somah’s all-time record and four from Saudi Arabian top-flight history.

Hamdallah, a three-time golden boot winner, could conceivably begin to ring the dates on his calendar where he might rein in his Syrian’s unrivalled haul. There’s Al Qadsiah up next at home, in Matchweek 20 on Friday, then trips to Al Taawoun and Al Raed before Al Shabab welcome Damac to their stadium. And all before the month is out.

Given Hamdallah has plundered 11 of his 12 league goals this season in his past 10 RSL outings – he sits fourth in the 2024-25 scoring charts – he feels certainly in good enough form to finally reach Al Somah. Or perhaps race by him.

However, by Friday night, that had changed somewhat. For, the very next day to Hamdallah’s hat-trick, Al Somah struck twice for new employers Al Orobah.

It took the winter signing three RSL matches to get up to speed, Al Wehda playing the victim. Al Somah notched his first from the penalty spot moments before half-time, then latched onto a Brad Young assist not long into the second half to make it two for the night. Al Orobah eventually ran out 4-2 winners, climbing to 13th in the table.

For a long time out in front in the all-time stakes, Al Somah moved back to five goals ahead of Hamdallah, on 146. The brace was a stark reminder that, even at 35 and having spent two-and-a-half years away from the Kingdom, Al Somah will take some catching.

Granted, Al Shabab appear a team more set up to attack and therefore more suitable for Hamdallah’s personal pursuit – at 31 goals through 19 matchweeks, they have scored more than double Al Orobah have (15) – but Al Somah was brought to Al Jouf to sharpen a blunted side.

Plus, as he displayed during those wonderful eight years at Al Ahli, he has never shied from a challenge. However, Hamdallah is hardly one for retreating, either.

It makes the next few weeks and months in the RSL all the more intriguing. Five goals separate the two greatest goalscorers of the SPL era, with five rounds between now and their reacquaintance on the pitch, when Al Shabab host Al Orobah next month in Matchweek 25.

You’d imagine both will be aware of that March 13 tussle looming on the horizon. And, given their RSL résumés and relentless resolve, each will be doubly determined to enter that clash as the standout striker in competition history.