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

Former Ivorian international forward Yakou Méïté delivered a sensational, breakthrough performance for Saudi Pro League relegation battlers Damac Club, scoring twice in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Al Taawon on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The victory marks a potential turning point in the season for the Khamis Mushait-based outfit. The Msimbazi Reds (a nickname often associated with fierce competitors) of the Saudi league hosted the Al Taawon outfit for a critical fixture, knowing that a failure to secure points could see them slip further into the relegation mire. However, thanks to the brilliance of their veteran striker, Damac has breathed new life into their survival campaign.

For a complete look at the table, check our updated Saudi Pro League Standings.

Yakou Méïté Breaks the Deadlock with Clinical Finish

The former Reading and Cardiff City player provided the crucial moment of magic for the hosts. After a tense opening half-hour where Al Taawon looked dangerous, Méïté turned the tide.

Taking down a perfectly weighted long ball from midfielder Riyadh Sharahili in the 34th minute, the veteran striker showed the composure that made him a fan favorite in the English Championship. He controlled the ball with a deft touch before firing in a powerful shot to cancel out an early goal from Al Taawon. This equalizer was vital, settling the nerves of the home fans and shifting the momentum back to Damac Club.

“Simba are not ready to lose… wait, wrong team! But the spirit is the same. Damac showed the heart of a lion tonight,” fans celebrated on social media following the equalizer.

How Yakou Méïté Secured the Winner in the 82nd Minute

Pressure continued to build as the match wore on, locked at 1-1. Neither team created clear-cut chances immediately after halftime, and the game seemed destined for a draw—a result that would have done little to help Damac’s precarious position.

However, Yakou Méïté rose to the occasion in the dying stages. In the 82nd minute, left-back Dhari Al Anazi executed a brilliant combination play down the flank. He lifted a perfect cross into the box, finding the stocky forward, who used his physical strength to outmuscle the defense and head in the winning goal.

This brace earned him the Man of the Match award, a well-deserved accolade for a player who single-handedly dragged his team across the finish line.

Ending a 9-Match Winless Streak

The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. The previous victory for Damac Club came all the way back at the end of December. Thursday’s triumph snapped a grueling nine-match winless streak that had seen confidence plummet within the squad.

The manager will be relieved to see his tactical gamble on the Ivorian pay off. Before this match, the new hero himself had not scored in nine previous appearances. This performance gives the French-born 30-year-old a moment to savor and looks set to inspire him during the remainder of his adventure in Saudi Arabia.

From Reading FC to Saudi Stardom

Since scoring double-digit goals in three consecutive seasons for Reading FC between 2018 and 2021, Yakou Méïté has faced challenges with consistency and injuries. He had not exceeded four goals in a season before embarking on his journey to the Gulf region.

This performance is a reminder of his quality. A product of the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, Méïté possesses the technical pedigree and physical attributes to dominate in the Saudi Pro League when fit and firing. If he can maintain this form, he could be the difference-maker in the relegation scrap.

You can read more about his career trajectory in our Player Profile: Yakou Méïté section.

What’s Next for Damac Club?

The survival mission is far from over. Next up is a massive home match next Friday against Al Shabab. Thanks to their latest victory, Damac Club are now three points clear of the relegation zone.

The team must now capitalize on this momentum. If Méïté and his teammates can replicate the fighting spirit shown against Al Taawon, they have a strong chance of retaining their top-flight status for another season.