LONDON: Al-Nassr’s surprise King’s Cup defeat at the hands of Al-Batin cost their players a bonus of at least SR25,000 ($6,668).
The Riyadh-based club had been promised by board member Saud bin Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Swailem that they would receive the bonus if they had reached the semifinal of the competition, SR50,000 if they reached the final, and SR100,000 if they won the cup for the seventh time — and the first since 1990.
But Ricardo Gomes’ side were knocked out 1-0 at home by Al-Batin on Wednesday night, ending their dreams of cup glory for another season. The team will struggle to explain the loss since they enjoyed 65 percent possession, forced 11 corners to Al-Batin’s one and had nine shots on target to the visitors’ single effort.
The only goal of the game came after 18 minutes from Al-Batin’s Brazilian striker Jhonnattann. It was the second time they had beaten Al-Nassr in a week after running out 3-0 winners in the Saudi Pro League. The back-to-back defeats will have shocked Al-Nassr, who are fourth in the table while Al-Batin are 11th.
Al-Batin will now have their eye on an unlikely King’s Cup triumph after holders Al-Hilal were knocked out in the last round. In the remaining quarterfinal ties, Al-Ittihad will play Al-Shabab, Al-Feiha will host Al-Ahli, and Al-Quadisiya will meet Al-Faisaly.
Al-Nassr players miss out on big bonus after shock King's Cup defeat
Al-Nassr players miss out on big bonus after shock King's Cup defeat
Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil
LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.
