Mohau Nkota continued his impressive run in Saudi Arabia as he came off the bench to rescue a crucial point for Al-Ettifaq in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Al-Hazem on Friday evening. The South African winger, who has quickly become a fan favourite since joining the club, once again showed his class and composure in front of goal.
The match featured a strong South African presence, with Nkota’s compatriot Elias Mokwana starting for Al-Hazem. Both players made key contributions for their respective sides. Mokwana was instrumental in helping his team take the lead, setting up Omar Al-Somah’s goal in the 65th minute to make it 2-1. It appeared that Al-Hazem were heading for an important victory, especially after Al-Ettifaq were reduced to 10 men when French striker Moussa Dembele received a red card in the 57th minute.
Despite being a man down, Al-Ettifaq showed great fighting spirit, and Nkota was at the heart of their comeback. Introduced in the 72nd minute, he injected pace and creativity into the attack. His persistence paid off when he scored a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser, stunning Al-Hazem and earning his side a well-deserved point. The late goal was another reminder of his growing influence in Saudi football and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Nkota’s performances since arriving in Saudi Arabia have been nothing short of remarkable. His energy, technical ability, and eye for goal have made him one of Al-Ettifaq’s key players, and his consistent displays could soon see him become a regular starter. For South African fans, it is encouraging to see another Bafana Bafana star making an impact abroad, following in the footsteps of players who have succeeded on the international stage.
After the draw, Al-Ettifaq sit 11th in the Saudi Pro League table with eight points from seven matches, while Al-Hazem are 14th with six points. Nkota’s form continues to give hope that his club can climb higher in the standings as the season progresses.
