Pitso Mosimane Leads Abha FC to Key Victory - Coach Hails his Side Despite 24% Possession

After a shock 8-0 loss last time out against Al Nassr, Pitso Mosimane’s Abha Football Club won 2-1 against Al-Fateh on Sunday. With seven matches left to play, his side sits one point outside the drop zone on 25 points. 

• Abha Bounce Back from Humiliation
• Mosimane’s Response to Losing 8-0
• Pitso Hails His Team’s Character

Former PSG attacking midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak netted a brace after scoring in the sixth and 57th minutes. Mosimane’s team only had 19% possession in the second half but held on for the victory.

Since the decorated coach arrived at the club with his trusty coaching staff, Abha have taken 11 points from eight fixtures. They had just 14 points from the first 19 matches of this season.

After losing 8-0 to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Abha’s penultimate match, Pitso Mosimane took the blame for the defeat. 

He told the media that he would shoulder the blame for the loss but he also demanded more from his players. 

Mosimane said: “I bear full responsibility. We must accept the loss after committing many mistakes, and we must learn from this harsh lesson.

“Al Nassr gave us five goals with serious mistakes. I feel sorry Mohammed Al-Qahtani. He is a young player and must learn from his mistakes in the upcoming matches.

“Our first mission now is to stay in the Saudi League.”

The 8-0 defeat was the heaviest loss the coach has ever endured. His team needed the win on Sunday to put that humiliation to bed. 

Despite the uncharacteristically defensive tactics from the coach, Pitso Mosimane was delighted with the effort and mentality of his team. 

The three-time CAF Champions League winner said: “The team today is distinguished in everything. The players gave me their heart today on the field.

“We succeeded in proving our character after our success in returning from a harsh loss by eight goals in the last match to a distinguished victory today.”

“I do not have Sadio Mane or Cristiano Ronaldo. I can only work with the elements I have. 

“The performance has improved since our arrival, and we hope to continue this work to stay away from the relegation positions. We must help Abha to stay in the professional league, and this is our main goal.”