Al-Ettifaq vs Al Khaleej Saihat Match Recap - Jan 12, 2026

Al Khaleej Saihat Stuns Al-Ettifaq with Late Drama in 2-1 Victory

Al Khaleej Saihat's resilience shone through as they secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq, marking a significant turnaround in their recent form. This win not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the ongoing struggles of Al-Ettifaq, who have now dropped points in a match they were expected to dominate.

Kostas Fortounis emerged as the key figure for Al Khaleej, converting a penalty just before halftime to level the score after Moussa Dembélé had given Al-Ettifaq an early lead. Fortounis's ability to step up in crucial moments has been a defining trait this season, and his performance today further solidifies his status as a leader on the pitch. With this goal, he continues to showcase his importance to the team, especially after a commanding 4-0 win against Damac just days prior.

Al Khaleej's tactical setup under coach Georgios Donis proved effective, particularly in their ability to absorb pressure and counterattack. They controlled 55% of possession and outperformed Al-Ettifaq in total shots, registering 6 compared to their opponents' 2. This efficiency in front of goal contrasts sharply with Al-Ettifaq's recent matches, where they have struggled to convert chances despite dominating possession.

Al-Ettifaq's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with their last five matches yielding 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. However, today's performance revealed cracks in their defensive structure that have been evident throughout the season. Despite taking an early lead, they failed to maintain composure and allowed Al Khaleej to dictate the pace of the game. The late own goal by Jack Hendry only compounded their woes, showcasing a lack of concentration that has plagued them in critical moments.

Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been pivotal for Al-Ettifaq, was unable to influence the game as he had in previous outings. His inability to find space against a disciplined Al Khaleej defense limited his impact, reflecting the team's overall struggle to adapt when faced with organized opposition. The midfield battle was fiercely contested, but Al Khaleej's ability to disrupt Al-Ettifaq's rhythm proved decisive.

The statistics reveal a stark contrast between the two teams' recent performances. Al Khaleej's impressive display against Damac set the stage for this match, while Al-Ettifaq's narrow victory over Al Najma seemed to mask underlying issues. The disparity in shots on goal-4 for Al Khaleej versus 2 for Al-Ettifaq-highlights a concerning trend for the latter, who have often relied on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.

Defensively, both teams exhibited vulnerabilities, but Al Khaleej capitalized on theirs more effectively. The late own goal from Hendry not only sealed the match but also underscored the pressure mounting on Al-Ettifaq's backline. With 4 saves from goalkeeper Marek Rodák, it is evident that without his contributions, the scoreline could have been even more unfavorable.

Looking ahead, Al-Ettifaq faces a challenging encounter against Al-Ittihad FC next week, where they must address their defensive frailties if they hope to remain competitive in the league. Meanwhile, Al Khaleej will look to build on this momentum against Al Okhdood, aiming to solidify their position in the mid-table and push for a playoff spot.

This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football; one moment can shift the entire narrative of a season. For Al Khaleej Saihat, today marks a turning point-a chance to build on this victory and aim higher in the standings. For Al-Ettifaq, it is back to the drawing board as they seek to regain their footing amidst growing concerns about consistency and defensive solidity.