Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala Jr opened his goalscoring account for the season with a superb individual effort as Al-Fayha were held to a 2-2 draw by Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Fayha made the brighter start and took the lead after just five minutes through Hugo Moura. The midfielder’s effort from outside the box struck the crossbar and bounced down over the line before coming back into play, but goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had crossed the line to give the hosts the opener.
Al-Kholood responded strongly and levelled the contest in the 14th minute. Iker Kortajarena capitalised on a poor pass at the back before calmly slotting the ball into the net to make it 1-1. Sakala remained a constant threat for Al-Fayha before the break, with one effort blocked and another shot going wide as the hosts searched for a second goal.
The Zambia international eventually got his reward 12 minutes after the restart. Receiving the ball on the left, Sakala drove forward before cutting inside with a trademark chop to create space, then unleashed a powerful low strike that beat Al-Kholood goalkeeper Hamed Al Shanqiti to put Al-Fayha 2-1 ahead.
The goal was Sakala’s first of the campaign and capped an influential performance from the Chipolopolo captain. Al-Fayha looked set to claim all three points and came close to extending their advantage late in the match, with Sakala involved again in the 87th minute when he set up Mohammed Al Dowaish, whose effort was saved by Al Shanqiti.
However, Al-Kholood refused to give up and found a late equaliser with two minutes of normal time remaining. Julien Domingues rose to meet a cross from Mansour Camara and produced a fine header that found the back of the net to make it 2-2.
The late goal denied Al-Fayha victory and ensured the points were shared. The result leaves Al-Fayha 10th in the Saudi Pro League with five points, while Al-Kholood move up to fourth with nine points.
For Sakala, the draw was a frustrating result, but his first goal of the season will provide a welcome boost as the Chipolopolo captain looks to build momentum in the Saudi Pro League.
