The match between Al-Nassr and Al-Fateh, held as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, witnessed a heated refereeing controversy, prompting expert intervention to clarify the situation. Jordanian refereeing expert, Ahmed Abu Khadija, settled the debate surrounding Al-Fateh players' penalty claims in the match, which took place at Al-Fateh Stadium in Al-Ahsa and attracted significant public and media attention due to the high-profile players involved.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Abu Khadija explained the technical details of the incident involving Al-Fateh striker Mourad Batna and Al-Nassr defender Iñigo Martínez. The refereeing expert confirmed that the contact did not warrant a penalty kick, stating, "Mourad Batna did not deserve a penalty kick. What happened was a natural and legitimate challenge for the ball between Iñigo Martínez and Mourad, and the referee's decision to allow play to continue and not award a penalty was absolutely correct and in accordance with the laws of the game.".

This match comes amidst fierce competition in the Saudi League, where Al-Nassr seeks to maintain pressure in the title race, relying on its star-studded squad. The current scoreline indicates Al-Nassr's 1-0 lead, courtesy of a goal from Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who capitalized on a perfectly executed cross from Senegalese star Sadio Mane, expertly slotting the ball into the net and highlighting the excellent understanding between the Al-Nassr attacking duo.

On the other hand, Al-Fateh is still trying to turn the game around and salvage the situation before the final whistle. The team's manager, Portuguese José Gomes, is working to instruct his players to capitalize on half-chances and launch quick counter-attacks to level the score, hoping to secure a positive result that will improve the team's position in the Roshan League standings and prevent them from getting caught up in complicated calculations as the season approaches its crucial stages.

This encounter is of particular importance, not only for the three points, but also for its moral impact on both teams. Al-Nasr is looking for technical stability and to continue its winning streak to please its large fan base, while Al-Fateh aspires to prove its ability to compete with the big teams and embarrass them on its home ground and in front of its fans, which makes the remaining minutes of the match open to all possibilities.

In a candid and transparent interview, Senegalese international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who guards the net for Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli club, revealed hidden aspects of his professional career and details of his exciting journey within the club. Mendy's statements, published on the club's official X platform, highlighted the figures who shaped his identity as a world-class goalkeeper, in addition to showcasing the most prominent achievements and challenges he has faced since joining the team.

Legends that inspired the journey of the Senegalese Lion

Mendy didn't hesitate to express his deep admiration for the legendary Egyptian and African goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary. Mendy emphasized that "The High Dam" (El-Hadary's nickname) represents a model of perseverance and consistency, considering him one of the most prominent figures he looks up to as a direct role model in this crucial position. Mendy didn't stop at mentioning El-Hadary; he also reminisced about the rich history of African goalkeeping, referring to Cameroonian Thomas N'Kono, considered the father of many world-class goalkeepers, and affirming that these giants paved the way for African goalkeepers to shine on the world stage.

Continental glory... the most precious moment

Regarding his time with Al-Ahli, Mendy described winning the AFC Champions League as the most important achievement and the most glorious moment in his time with the club. This statement reflects the significance of this historic title, as Mendy and his teammates led the club to its first-ever continental championship after a thrilling final against Japan's Kawasaki Frontale, which ended in a well-deserved 2-0 victory. This achievement represents a turning point in the club's history, cementing Al-Ahli's status as a major force not only domestically but also across Asia, and confirming the success of the club's sporting project in competing at the highest levels.

Hong Kong's tough night

Speaking about the challenges, the Senegalese goalkeeper recalled a particularly tough match, which he considered the most difficult of his career with the team: the Saudi Super Cup against arch-rivals Al-Nassr, played in the extraordinary atmosphere of Hong Kong. Mendy explained that the match was full of dramatic twists and turns and immense psychological pressure, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw after regulation time, before Al-Ahli ultimately prevailed in the penalty shootout. This victory was not just about winning a title, but a true test of the team's character and its ability to withstand pressure on the international stage.

A love letter to the fans of Al-Raqi

The former world's best goalkeeper concluded his remarks with an emotional message to Al Ahly's vast fan base, describing them as the primary and essential support behind all his successes. Mendy emphasized that words of thanks could not express his gratitude, stressing that their passion and chants in the stands give him extra motivation to fight for every ball, considering them the undisputed best fans of his football career.

Zamalek's first football team achieved a valuable and well-deserved 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in a hard-fought match held Saturday evening at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium. This match was part of the sixth and final round of the group stage in the CAF Confederation Cup, confirming Zamalek's qualification for the quarterfinals as group leaders with 11 points.

First half details and missed opportunities

The match began with a clear attacking approach from the home side, as Zamalek sought to impose their control early on. In the 14th minute, the White Knights had their first real chance when Ahmed Sherif squandered a golden opportunity after receiving a brilliant pass from Oday Dabbagh, but his final touch lacked precision. Zamalek continued to press, and in the 26th minute, the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper made a superb save to deny Dabbagh's powerful shot, preventing Zamalek from taking the lead. Just before the halftime whistle, Dabbagh almost broke the deadlock, but his shot in stoppage time went wide, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

A technical intervention decides the match in the second half

At the start of the second half, Zamalek's coach, Moataz Gamal, decided to make a tactical substitution to increase the team's attacking effectiveness, bringing on veteran star Abdallah El Said in place of Ahmed Sherif. This change quickly paid off; in the 53rd minute, Brazilian Juan Bezerra scored the opening goal with a perfectly placed header, capitalizing on a perfect cross from Nasser Mansi.

Zamalek continued to press for a second goal, which they achieved in the 72nd minute through substitute Abdallah El Said, who sealed the victory. Despite Kaizer Chiefs pulling one back in the 75th minute, Zamalek managed the remaining minutes intelligently to secure the win.

The importance of winning and the context of continental competition

This victory holds immense significance beyond simply securing three points; it propels Zamalek to the top of their group with 11 points, placing them in a comfortable position for the quarter-final draw. This avoids a clash with other group winners, significantly boosting their chances of progressing towards the title. This qualification underscores the White Knights' determination to reclaim their continental glory and compete fiercely for the Confederation Cup, a tournament of particular importance to Zamalek's passionate fans, who are eager for African titles. Furthermore, the team's performance, especially in the second half, reflects the tactical acumen of the coaching staff, led by Moataz Gamal, in analyzing matches and employing highly flexible tactics against African opponents.