Saudi Arabia held by Tajikistan in qualifier but stay on course for World Cup
This draw ensures that the Green Falcons remain in control of Group G with 10 points from their first four games
Saudi Arabia were held to a 1-1 draw by Tajikistan on Tuesday, meaning they have to wait to secure their place in the final round of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A goal early in the second half from Firas Al-Buraikan — his first for the national team in over two years — had looked to be enough for Roberto Mancini’s men to defeat the Central Asians for the second time in five days and to progress with two games to spare, but Rustam Soirov equalized late in the game to ensure a share of the spoils.
The lights went out for five minutes in the first half at the Central Republican Stadium but despite that goal, there should not be too much gloom hanging over Saudi fans. To draw at the home of the Asian Cup quarterfinalists is not a bad result and a draw in Pakistan in June will be enough for qualification.
This draw ensures that the Green Falcons remain in control of Group G with 10 points from their first four games. Tajikistan move into second with five points, though that is likely to be temporary with Jordan expected to defeat Pakistan later to reach seven points.
The top two from each of the nine groups go through to the final round of qualification to battle for Asia’s eight automatic places at the World Cup.
It may have been goalless at half time but it was an open and entertaining first 45 minutes with both teams having, and missing, a number of goalscoring opportunities.
Tajikistan started the game in the manner of a team that knew they had to win to stay level on points with Jordan in the race for second. They flew out of the blocks with dangerman Alisher Dzhalilov having three chances inside the first 10 minutes.
Slowly, however, the visitors got a grip of proceedings to quieten the excitement of the home fans. Abdullah Radif headed straight at the goalkeeper from a good position and Salem Al-Dawsari, who scored the winning goal last week, saw his attempts saved. In the final seconds of the first half, Mohammed Al-Owais was flying through the air to make a spectacular save from a Parvizchon Umarbaev free kick.
The deadlock was finally broken. In Mancini’s first two qualifiers, Saleh Al-Shehri was the hero but this time, Al-Buraikan stepped up, waiting for a Mohammed Al-Breik cross to drop on the edge of the six-yard box to send a looping header into the net
Tajikistan did their utmost to get back into the game but had Radif been a little sharper in the area just after the hour when he fired over from close range then it could have been very different for Saudi Arabia.
As it was, the home fans were finally able to get on their feet with 10 minutes remaining thanks to a lightning attack. Amadoni Kamolov curled a perfect ball from the right for Soirov to sweep home at the far post to make it 1-1 and to also make it anyone’s game.
But nobody was able to step up and grab a winner.
In the end, it surely will not matter for Saudi Arabia as they will have to wait a little longer to book their spot in the final round.