In a dramatic conclusion to the 2023-2024 Saudi First Division League season, Al Ittihad’s Yaislah secured a historic promotion to the Roshn Saudi League, but only after a nerve-shredding final day that went down to the final seconds.
The scenario was clear heading into Matchweek 34 on Friday, May 17, 2024. Al-Orobah, sitting in second place, faced Al-Arabi, while third-placed Al-Okhdood played against Jeddah. Al-Orobah needed only a draw to secure automatic promotion alongside champions Al-Qadsiah.
The tension was palpable at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium. Al-Orobah’s match against Al-Arabi remained deadlocked at 0-0 as the clock ticked past the 90-minute mark. With the other match also concluding, a draw would have been enough for Al-Orobah.
Then, deep into stoppage time, the decisive moment arrived. Al-Orobah’s goalkeeper, Ahmed Al-Atwi, committed a foul inside the penalty area. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, handing Al-Arabi a golden chance to shatter Al-Orobah’s dreams.
Up stepped Yaislah Omar. With immense pressure on his shoulders, the Al-Arabi striker coolly converted the penalty in the 90+7th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sealing a stunning 1-0 victory for his side.
That single goal changed everything. Al-Orobah’s draw was snatched away, dropping them to third place with 66 points. This opened the door for Al-Okhdood, who capitalized on their 1-0 win over Jeddah to jump into second place with 67 points and claim the second automatic promotion spot.
The result means Al-Orobah must now contest the promotion play-offs, facing the 14th-placed team from the Roshn Saudi League for a final chance to go up. For Yaislah and Al-Arabi, the late strike had no impact on their mid-table position, but it irrevocably altered the fate of the league.
Yaislah’s last-gasp penalty ensured that Al-Okhdood will make their debut in the top flight next season, while Al-Orobah’s return to the Roshn Saudi League after a 17-year absence hinges on the upcoming play-offs. It was a historic intervention that will be remembered for years to come.
