Saudi Pro League: Yakou Méïté scores a double in massive victory for Damac

Former Ivorian international forward Yakou Méïté delivered a breakthrough performance for Saudi Pro League relegation battlers Damac Club, scoring twice in a 2-1 victory over Al Taawon on Thursday.

في ليلة ثنائيته.. ياكو ميتي يُهدي ضمك نقاط التعاون ⚽️⚽️#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #للجماهير pic.twitter.com/NPgL2ai3Rw

— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) February 12, 2026

The former Reading and Cardiff player provided the crucial moment of magic for the hosts with a clinical strike in the 82nd minute to secure victory from a tight match. Taking down a long ball from Riyadh Sharahili in the 34th minute, the veteran striker controlled before firing in a powerful shot to cancel out an early goal from Al Taawon.

Pressure continued to build as the match continued on at 1-1. Neither team created much after halftime but Méïté rose to the occasion in the 82nd minute. Left back Dhari Al Anazi executed a combination down the flank and lifted a perfect cross for the stocky forward to head in the winning goal.

ياكو ميتي رجلًا للمباراة 💫

نال بثنائية جائزة الأفضل من ⁦@ToyotaALJ⁩ 🏆#دوري_روشن_السعودي | #للجماهير pic.twitter.com/927CfW1fBK

— دوري روشن السعودي (@SPL) February 12, 2026

The former Paris Saint-Germain youth product was awarded with the Man of the Match award after playing a crucial role for his club. The previous victory for Damac came at the end of December and Thursday’s victory snapped a nine-match winless streak.

Their new hero himself had not scored in nine previous appearances before the match, giving the French-born 30-year-old a moment to savor and inspire him during his adventure in Saudi Arabia. Since scoring double-digit goals in three consecutive seasons for Reading between 2018 and 2021, Méïté has not exceeded four goals in a season before embarking for the Gulf region.

Next up is a home match next Friday against Al Shabab. Damac are three points clear of the relegation zone following their latest victory.