Stefano Pioli managed to avoid a potentially embarrassing first defeat as the head coach of Al Nassr, thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal from Nawaf Bu Washl that secured a 2-1 victory against second-tier Al-Hazem in the King’s Cup on Monday.
In his second match at the helm of the Saudi Pro League club, Pioli’s team came out with determination, eager to assert their dominance from the outset. They nearly took an early lead when Talisca's powerful shot struck the woodwork, sending a message that Al Nassr was ready to compete fiercely.
The breakthrough finally came in the sixth minute of first-half injury time when Sadio Mane capitalized on a well-placed cross from Sultan Al Ghannam. Mane’s precise header found the back of the net, giving Al Nassr a crucial advantage just before the halftime whistle and allowing Pioli to head into the break with a sense of relief.
However, the second half brought unexpected challenges for the visitors. Just after the hour mark, Al-Hazem stunned Pioli and his squad by equalizing through Basil Al Sayyali. The forward made no mistake with an emphatic finish off the crossbar, marking his second goal of the season and reigniting the hosts’ hopes.
As the match progressed, Al Nassr found it increasingly difficult to regain control. Despite several promising opportunities, including attempts from Mane, Mohammed Marran, and Wesley, they were thwarted time and again by a resolute Al-Hazem defense. Frustration mounted for the visitors as they struggled to convert their chances, and the game appeared to be heading toward extra time.
In a dramatic turn of events, a defensive mix-up between Saud Al Rashed and goalkeeper Ibrahim Zaid opened the door for Bu Washl. Seizing the opportunity, he dashed in to finish into an empty net, clinching the win for Al Nassr just moments before the final whistle. This late strike not only salvaged the match for Pioli but also ensured that Al Nassr advanced to the next round of the King’s Cup, reinforcing their resilience under pressure.
The victory was a testament to the team’s character and determination, and while Pioli will be relieved to avoid a loss, he will undoubtedly be looking for a more consistent performance as they move forward in the tournament.
