Saudi Pro League: Alexandre Mendy and Théo Bongonda get off the mark on debut, Bassogog provides decisive assist

14.08.26 FT Pro League Saudi Arabia

Al Hilal

4

:

Al-Faisaly

2

Having joined Al-Faisaly this summer, Alexandre Mendy and Théo Bongonda wasted no time in finding the back of the net in their Saudi league debuts. Despite their team’s 4-2 loss to Al-Hilal, the two African internationals made their mark by getting on the scoresheet. Christian Bassogog, another summer signing, also made a strong impression by providing an assist for Bongonda. It’s a promising start for Al-Faisaly’s three new faces.

He didn’t take long to announce himself. In the 59th minute, Alexandre Mendy pulled one back for Al-Faisaly, who were trailing 3-0 to Al-Hilal at the time. The Guinea-Bissau striker netted his first Saudi Pro League goal in his very first official appearance for his new club.

Set up by Jaime Seoane, who won his physical battle with Al Harbi before delivering a pinpoint cross, Mendy gave Al-Faisaly hope of a comeback. This goal also underlines the finishing qualities that prompted his signing this summer.

The former Montpellier man is coming off a strong 2025-2026 campaign in Ligue 2, where he scored 12 goals and provided 4 assists in 33 appearances, totaling nearly 2,924 minutes on the pitch.

The 32-year-old striker arrives in Saudi Arabia with considerable experience and a proven goal-scoring record. His debut is all the more impressive given he found the net against Al-Hilal, one of the most ambitious clubs in the league.

Théo Bongonda answers five minutes later

Just five minutes after Mendy, Théo Bongonda also found the back of the net. In the 64th minute, the Congolese international further closed the gap by scoring Al-Faisaly’s second goal.

And this goal also bore the mark of another summer recruit. Christian Bassogog delivered a superb ball to Bongonda, who beat Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a powerful header. This goal capped off a perfect first outing for Bongonda in Al-Faisaly colors. Having arrived this summer after three seasons at Spartak Moscow, the Congolese winger left Russia following a stint marked by regular appearances for the Moscow club.

The 30-year-old also brings solid European experience, having played for Genk, Cádiz, Trabzonspor, and Celta Vigo before his spell in Russia.

Bassogog, the third recruit making his mark

In Al-Faisaly’s dramatic comeback attempt, Christian Bassogog didn’t score but played a decisive role. The Cameroonian was the architect of the second goal, providing the assist that allowed Bongonda to beat Bounou.

A first assist that’s especially encouraging for the former Al-Okhdood player. Bassogog already knows the demands of Saudi football well, having played in the local league last season.

With Al-Okhdood in 2025-2026, he featured in 29 Saudi Pro League matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists, totaling 2,241 minutes on the field.

His experience in the league could prove invaluable for Al-Faisaly, who are newly promoted to the top flight this season. In his very first appearance for his new club, the Cameroonian showed he can already be a key provider for the forwards.

Al-Faisaly will no doubt feel disappointed after this 4-2 defeat. Al-Hilal dominated the first half and led 3-0 before Mendy and then Bongonda reignited hopes for the visitors in the second half. Bongonda’s goal even brought Al-Faisaly within touching distance, briefly threatening a comeback.

The result remains a setback, but the performances of the new signings give the club plenty of reasons for optimism. Mendy scored, Bongonda scored, and Bassogog provided an assist—all three making their mark in their first official outing in their new colors.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Al Hilal

Al-Faisaly

Pro League Saudi Arabia