RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Interstat) — Al Riyadh and Al Shabab opened their Saudi Pro League seasons with a 1-1 draw Sunday at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Substitute Abderrazaq Hamed-Allah gave the visiting Al Shabab the lead in the 34th minute. Al Riyadh equalized in the second half through a goal from midfielder Tozé. The result defied pre-match projections that heavily favored Al Shabab.

The match featured six yellow cards, including four in a contentious second half. Both teams now hold identical records of one draw with no wins or losses to start the league campaign.