By SCM Reporter
AR RASS, SAUDI ARABIA — Al Kholood’s curious situation of playing their home games in their rivals’ backyard was painfully highlighted last night as they went down 2-1 to Al Hazm in a fast-paced Saudi Professional League encounter at the Al Hazm Club Stadium.
The bizarre scenario, where Al Kholood—despite being the ‘home’ side—must stage their matches at their local rival Al Hazm’s 8,000-capacity arena in Ar Rass, may have played a psychological part as they squandered an early lead in front of an expectant, albeit likely confused, crowd.
The hosts (in name only!) burst out of the blocks, with Argentinian midfielder Enrique finding the back of the net after just the third minute, sending a flicker of hope through the ground’s nominal ‘home’ support.
However, the team that actually calls the stadium their home proved to be more comfortable in their surroundings.
Al Hazm roared back in a sensational seven-minute spell that left Al Kholood reeling.
The revival began on the half-hour mark when Mokwanana struck a deserved equaliser. Just moments later, Al Hazm seized the lead and the momentum, as star striker Al Somah coolly converted a penalty in the 37th minute to make it 2-1.
The second half proved to be a tighter affair, but Al Hazm successfully defended their advantage, securing all three points and leaving Al Kholood fans to ponder whether the peculiar venue arrangement is secretly costing them valuable home form.
