Saudi Pro League: Bernard Mensah scores and assists on his debut for Al-Riyadh

14.08.26 FT Pro League Saudi Arabia

Al-Ettifaq

4

:

Al Riyadh

2

Bernard Mensah made a splash in his first appearance for Al-Riyadh, delivering an assist and then finding the back of the net. Despite the Ghanaian midfielder's performance, his team suffered a 4-2 defeat away to Al-Ettifaq.

Bernard Mensah wasted no time making an impact, just three days after joining Al-Riyadh on August 12, 2026. Starting in his first official match for his new club and making his Saudi Pro League debut, the Ghanaian was directly involved in both of his team's opening goals.

An assist, then a goal

Trailing on the scoreboard, Al-Riyadh turned to Mensah to get back into the game. In the dying seconds of the first half, the attacking midfielder set up Teddy Okou for the equalizer, making it 1-1.

After the break, Al-Riyadh again found themselves behind at 2-1. Mensah stepped up to the plate. In the 56th minute, he slotted home to level the score once more (2-2).

A particularly impressive debut for the Ghanaian, who opens his goal account in the Saudi Pro League at the very first attempt.

A standout individual performance overshadowed by defeat

Mensah was undoubtedly one of the few bright spots for Al-Riyadh in this match. However, his attacking influence wasn't enough to prevent the loss.

Things got even tougher for the visitors after Rodrigue Abascal was sent off, leaving Al-Riyadh a man down. Al-Ettifaq capitalized, regaining the lead for good and sealing a 4-2 victory.

Despite the setback, Mensah can take pride in his immediate impact on his new team's attacking play, registering both a goal and an assist on his official debut.

A new challenge after a wealth of experience

This move to Al-Riyadh marks a fresh chapter in Bernard Mensah's career. The Ghana international has built up significant professional experience, especially in Europe and Turkey, where he spent several seasons.

Joining the squad just days before this match, Mensah certainly made his mark on an individual level. A goal, an assist, and an immediate impact in the Saudi Pro League—even if the night ultimately ended in defeat.

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-Ettifaq

Al Riyadh

Pro League Saudi Arabia