Mancini expecting ‘tough match’ against Jordan
RIYADH: Saudi coach Roberto Mancini said that he is expecting a ‘tough match’ against Jordan in Amman.
Green Falcons Sport News
SPL quality this season ‘vindication’ of transfer policy: Saudi league’s director of football
RIYADH: Michael Emenalo is the Saudi Pro League’s director of football, charged with leading its Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE), which provides a centralized approach to transfers while also assisting with squad mapping and player care.
Saudi national team coach Roberto Mancini determined to take 3 points from Pakistan
AL-AHSA: The Saudi national football team’s match against Pakistan on Thursday “is our first official match and of course, beginnings are always challenging,” said head coach Roberto Mancini. The match, at Al-Fateh’s Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium, kicks off the first round of the second stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which also serve as qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. It is the first competitive game since Mancini took control of the team in late August, and the squad has been preparing this week in Al-Ahsa. “I would like to thank the people of Al-Ahsa for the warm welcome we have received in the past few days,” said Mancini. Regarding the readiness of the players for their first competitive game since the Gulf Cup in January, he added: “We are aiming to perform well and secure the points from the match.” There are a number of new faces in his squad and Mancini said: “I believe it is the right time to call up new players, especially after observing several players over the past three months. I am confident that we have talented young players who deserve the opportunity.” The Saudis will also take on Jordan in the qualifiers on Tuesday, and Mancini said: “Our goal is to give our best effort in all the matches but right now we need to focus on the match against Pakistan, where we aim to perform well and win all three points.” Midfielder Faisal Al-Ghamdi said: “The match will not be easy, especially as it comes at the beginning of the qualifiers.
Israeli airstrike in Gaza kills 2 volleyball players from Palestinian national team
BEIRUT: Two Palestinian volleyball players, who turned out for the national team and Al-Sadaka Club, have been killed in an Israeli attack that targeted Jabalia Camp in the Gaza Strip. The West Asian Volleyball Association mourned Hassan Abu Zuaiter and Ibrahim Qusaya’a on its Facebook page on Monday, shortly after Palestinian media reported the news of the tragedy. The two players were killed in an airstrike in the northern part of Gaza, according to the Palestine News Agency. Qusaya’a had won a bronze medal at the West Asian Beach Soccer Championship in 2021.
Green Falcons prep in Al-Ahsa for Pakistan, Jordan World Cup qualifiers
RIYADH: Saudi national team footballers trained in Al-Ahsa on Sunday ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Pakistan and Jordan. Khalid Al-Ghanam was called up to the side after Ayman Yahya was declared unfit by medical staff.
All-woman F1 Academy series to race in Saudi Arabia to start an expanded 2024 schedule
LONDON: Formula One’s F1 Academy series for female drivers will race next year in Saudi Arabia to start an expanded schedule with a more prominent role in grand prix weekends.
Saudi Arabia mauled by Mali despite Al-Dawsari magic
RIYADH: Salem Al-Dawsari more than matched his spectacular World Cup strike against Argentina against Mali on Tuesday but could not prevent Saudi Arabia losing 3-1 to the Africans in Portugal.
Green Falcons ready for Mali in Asian Cup preparations
RIYADH: Saudi national team footballers continue their preparations for the Asian Cup as they play Mali in a friendly on Tuesday.