DALIAN: Unlikely hero Hassan Kadesh put Saudi Arabia back on track for 2026 World Cup qualification with a late goal that saw them beat China 2-1.

Roberto Mancini has coached some top-class talent in his career but — Sergio Aguero aside — he can rarely have had such cause to hug one of his players at the end of a game. The Al-Ittihad defender, having never previously scored for his country, has now notched up two goals.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly what the Green Falcons needed after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Indonesia five days ago. It was exactly what under-fire Mancini needed too.

The win was looking unlikely when, after 20 minutes, Dalian was rocking — China were a goal up, and the Saudis were a man down. But the visitors dug in and then fought hard until the end. 

Kadesh’s heroics mean Saudi Arabia has four points from the opening two games. However, they still have much to do if they are to finish in the top two of Group C and automatically book a spot at the 2026 tournament,

The opening goal could not have been simpler for a Chinese team thrashed 7-0 by Japan last Thursday. Brazilian-born Fernandinho sent over a corner kick from the right and, at the edge of a crowded six-yard box, the ball hit the jumping Ali Lajami before finding the back of the net. 

Noise levels from the 48,000 home fans rose dramatically and things got even worse for Saudi Arabia soon after. On his back and on the floor, Kanno kicked out at Jiang Shenglong’s chest and was swiftly shown the red card.

Saudi Arabia were shaken but stirred themselves to hit back and take something from the game. Seven minutes before the break, they were back on level terms.

Nasser Al-Dawsari whipped in a delightful cross from a corner to find Kadesh at the near post, whose delightful low header hit the Chinese net and silenced the home crowd. Soon after, Al-Dawsari fired wide, and Saudi hearts were in their mouths as, almost on half-time, Wu Lei headed outside the post with Mohammed Al-Owais able only to stand, watch and hope.

Another Chinese corner caused chaos early in the second half, with Wang Shangyuan heading the ball home from close range. However, a VAR check led to the goal being rules offside.

Just after the hour there was nearly more good news when Salem Al-Dawsari, who always seemed to feel the game was there to be won, burst free of the red defense. The away fans behind the goal were ready to celebrate but, somehow, the Al-Hilal star hit the crossbar and the ball bounced away.

A penalty call, also by Al-Dawsari, was waved away and China came close with just 15 minutes left, Al-Owais getting down to push away a curling shot from Li Lei.

As the final whistle approached the game started to drift and a draw seemed certain. But in the final minute, Saudi Arabia got another corner and there was an unmarked Kadesh, powerfully heading the ball home high into the net for his second goal of both the game and his international career.

China never really looked like scoring again, and the final whistle found the hero of the hour and his teammates jumping up and down as they celebrated the win.

Saudi Arabia will face Japan on Oct. 10 for their next 2026 World Cup qualifying match.