Brace Day in Saudi: Al Nassr-Pulled Back by a Keeper's Gaffe and a Defender's Double
2 January 2026
Key moments
Abdulrahman Al-Sanabi, the Al Ahli goalkeeper, found himself in trouble for his team during the clash with Al Nassr on Friday night, in round 13 of the Roshen Pro League.
Al Ahli had taken an early two-goal lead through English forward Ivan Toney in the 7th and 20th minutes of the first half.
In a dramatic turn, Sanabi conceded a bizarre goal when Abdulrahman Al-Omari fired a long-range shot that slipped between the keeper's legs in the 31st minute.
With Edouard Mendy away at AFCON, Sanabi's muffed effort proved costly as the absence of the first-choice stopper opened the door for a comeback.
Al Omari then restored parity with a header in the 44th minute, sealing a brace and shifting momentum to Al Nassr.
Although Al-Omari had previously featured for Al Wehda (12 games, 1 goal) and Al Ittihad (21 appearances) without scoring, he added two tonight, a remarkable brace.
The game finished 2-2 as both sides pressed for a winner in a dramatic finish.
Aftermath and context
The clash adds another twist to this season's Saudi Pro League narrative, with Al Ahli’s early lead turning into a share of the spoils and a brace for Al Nassr’s Al-Omari.
For Al Ahli, the result leaves the team in a tight spot in the standings as they chase consistency in a crowded table.
For Al Nassr, the point is a reminder that a long-range shot can change the course of a match and that late heroics matter.
Punchline 1: If goals were jokes, that game would be a stand-up routine—two big punches up front and a twist at the back.
Punchline 2: In football, the sniper’s aim isn’t at enemies but at the keeper’s nerves. Good night, and may your tea be as steady as the defense after that brace.
