AL-MAJMA’AH, Saudi Arabia (Interstat) — A second-half goal from Fashion Sakala proved decisive as Al Fayha Saudi Club opened its Pro League campaign with a 1-0 victory over rival Al Ettifaq Saudi Club on Friday afternoon at Al Majma’ah Sport City.

The match, the season opener for both clubs in Saudi Arabia’s top football division, was a tightly contested affair ultimately settled by a moment of individual quality in the 54th minute. The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had forecast a higher-scoring 2-1 win for the hosts. Their ELO rating system had given Al Fayha a 65.8 percent probability to win.

The first half saw few clear chances, with Al Ettifaq working to organize defensively on the road. The deadlock was nearly broken in the 21st minute when Al Fayha midfielder Alfa Semedo found space in the area and directed a powerful header toward goal, forcing a critical save from the Ettifaq goalkeeper to keep the match level.

The breakthrough came just after the interval. Sakala, operating on the left side of the attack, received the ball and drove inward, creating just enough separation from his marker to unleash a low, left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area. The shot curled across the goalmouth and into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sending the home supporters into celebration.

Al Ettifaq struggled to mount a consistent response, as the Al Fayha defense held firm to protect its narrow lead. The visitors’ frustration culminated in a yellow card issued to Ahmed Bamasud in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, the only caution of the match.

The 1-0 final score provides Al Fayha with three points to start the Pro League season, while Al Ettifaq begins with a defeat. Both clubs now hold identical 0-1 records in the competition, with Al Fayha’s victory serving as the first result for each team across all competitions this season.

The match was played under clear skies in al-Majma’ah, marking the official commencement of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season.