Benrahma scores and assists.. and Senegal's Gueye shakes the net in an exciting African showdown in Saudi Arabia
Algerian international Said Benrahma scored once and provided an assist as NEOM SC came from behind to defeat Al Diriyah 2-1 on Friday 30 October despite Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye's spectacular opening goal.
The Saudi Pro League Matchday 12 encounter featured several African players including Algeria's Adil Boulbina, in a contest ultimately decided by Benrahma's attacking contributions.
Alexandre Lacazette completed NEOM's comeback in the 68th minute after being introduced as a substitute.
Idrissa Gana Gueye opens his Saudi scoring account
Al Diriyah made an impressive start, taking the lead in the 17th minute through experienced Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The former Everton midfielder received a pass from Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez before unleashing a powerful long range strike into the net.
The goal marked Gueye's first since joining Al Diriyah from Everton in August 2026.
It was also an encouraging return for the 36 year old who had missed the club's previous two league matches against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad.
Despite his impressive contribution, Gueye's opening goal was not enough to secure a positive result for the hosts.
Said Benrahma turns the match around with a goal and an assist
NEOM responded before half time when Jordanian player Mohannad Abu Taha won a penalty following a challenge inside the area.
Benrahma stepped forward and converted the spot kick during first half stoppage time, restoring parity before the interval.
The former West Ham United winger then played a decisive role in the winning goal.
In the 68th minute, Benrahma provided the assist for French striker Alexandre Lacazette who finished from inside the penalty area just four minutes after coming off the bench.
Benrahma's performance earned him the Man of the Match award which he celebrated alongside Lacazette in recognition of his teammate's decisive contribution.
The 31 year old has continued to establish himself as a central attacking figure since completing his permanent move from Lyon to NEOM.
Before Friday's encounter, he had already registered three goals and two assists in six league appearances this season.
His latest goal and assist further underline his importance to NEOM's attack.
Adil Boulbina and Malang Sarr add to the African presence
The encounter also featured another Algerian international, Adil Boulbina who started for Al Diriyah.
The 23 year old attacker who joined the Saudi club from Qatar's Al Duhail during the summer, was unable to make a decisive contribution against his compatriot's team.
Boulbina was eventually substituted in the 70th minute, shortly after Lacazette had put NEOM ahead.
Senegalese midfielder Clayton Diandy also started for Al Diriyah while Malang Sarr featured in NEOM's defence.
Their involvement highlighted the growing African presence in the Saudi Pro League.
What does NEOM's victory mean?
The 2-1 victory handed NEOM three valuable points and strengthened their position in the upper half of the Saudi Pro League standings.
For Al Diriyah, the defeat was particularly frustrating after Gueye's outstanding early strike had provided a promising platform.
However, the decisive difference was Benrahma's ability to influence the match in two different ways: first as a goalscorer and then as a creator.
The Algerian winger's contribution also demonstrated the value of his partnership with Lacazette, whose arrival from the bench transformed NEOM's attacking threat.
While Gueye celebrated his first goal in Saudi Arabia, it was Benrahma who ultimately stole the spotlight, delivering a goal and an assist to inspire NEOM's comeback victory.
Africa
23 October 2026
Special Reports
Yesterday at 17:47
Africa
Yesterday at 16:58
World
Yesterday at 16:08
World
23 October 2026
Europe
28 October 2026
Africa
25 October 2026
Exclusive
17 October 2026
Africa
14 October 2026