Saudi First Division League: Panom saves Al Arabi, Marega boosts Al Diriyah promotion push

Friday’s action from the Saudi First Division League saw Ethiopia national team star Gatoch Panom spark Al Arabi’s relegation fight with two goals while an African trio helped Al Diriyah take a big step towards promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

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موسى ماريقا يعزّز تقدم الدرعية ويسجل ثاني الأهداف في شباك أبها 🔥 #الدرعية_أبها | #دوري_يلو pic.twitter.com/ErhgIwzt0g

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 1, 2026

Former Mali national team forward Moussa Marega finished off a 2-0 victory for Al Diriyah over league leaders Abha Club in a top-of-the-table clash. The veteran, formerly of FC Porto and Al Hilal, now has a remarkable 19 goals and 7 assists in 28 matches in the Saudi second tier this season.

The deep-pocketed Al Diriyah, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, are attempting to earn back-to-back promotions after winning the third tier last season. Marega is one of many signings, which also include Gambia national team captain and defender Omar Colley as well as Cameroon national team winger Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, who arrived this season to add top level quality.

The Riyadh club are eight points back of Abha Club following the result but have a five-point cushion ahead of third place with only two matches remaining. The top two finishers will earn direct promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

Ethiopia star keeps Al Arabi’s Saudi First Division League status alive

On the other end of the table, Ethiopia midfielder Panom came off the bench to score twice in the final fifteen minutes in Al Arabi’s thrilling 4-3 victory over bottom side Al Jubail.

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العربي يقلب النتيجة أمام الجبيل 🤯
وقاتوش بانوم يسجل ثاني أهدافه في المواجهة 🔴#العربي_الجبيل | #دوري_يلو pic.twitter.com/LflfUoEYsG

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 1, 2026

The powerful midfielder was on hand to finish low for the match-winner in the 83rd minute. He now has 4 goals in 12 matches with Al Arabi since arriving from Iraqi club Al Najaf in early February.

Only two minutes earlier, the substitute who came on after the hour mark leveled the match to begin a miraculous turnaround with his finish from a rebound.

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قاتوش بانوم يعيد العربي للتعادل أمام الجبيل، ويشعل المواجهة من جديد 🔴🔥 #العربي_الجبيل | #دوري_يلو pic.twitter.com/GnjxoYaUp8

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 1, 2026

There still remains plenty of work. Sitting in the final relegation spot in 16th position, Arabi are three points away from safety and must surpass Al Adalah, who have won their last two matches thanks to the heroics of South African striker Ranga Chivaviro.